ILO Warns Of Climate Change’s Impact On Workers’ Health

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned of climate change’s potentially devastating impact on the health of millions of workers globally. A new ILO report said over 70 percent of the global workforce would likely be exposed to climate-change-related health hazards. However, the report explained that existing occupational safety and health (OSH) protections are struggling to keep up with the resulting risks. According to the document, the impact of climate change on workers goes well beyond exposure to excessive heat.  It includes links to cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction, and mental health conditions. “It is essential that we heed these warnings. Occupational safety and health considerations must become part of our climate change responses – both policies and actions,” said Manal Azzi, OSH Team Lead at the ILO. The ILO report explores current country responses. They include revising or creating new legislation, regulations, and guidance and improving climate mitigation strategies such as energy efficiency measures in working environments. The article ILO Warns Of Climate Change’s Impact On Workers’ Health is from St. Lucia Times.