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…Earth’s average surface temperature in 2023 was the warmest on record, with July 2023 being the hottest month ever recorded (NASA 2024). Between 2011 and 2020, the average temperature of the Earth’s surface was 1.1°C warmer than the average temperature in the late 19th century (IPCC 2022). This has caused widespread and rapid changes to the atmosphere, land, ocean and ice regions. Climate change has resulted in weather and climate extremes on all continents…

Workers, especially those working outdoors, are frequently the first to be exposed to the consequences of climate change, often for longer periods and at greater intensities than the general population (ILO 2023)…Occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and practices have struggled to keep up, and workers continue to be exposed to various climate-related hazards. Numerous health effects on workers have been linked to climate change, including injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, macular degeneration and mental health issue…

The time to act is now. Whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions through mitigation strategies such as those outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) remains a global priority, actions should also be taken to address the multifaceted challenge climate change poses for the workplace…

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