It is estimated that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) may be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, according to the ILO.
More than 70% of the global workforce is exposed to serious health risks related to climate change, according to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), which describes this figure as "staggering" and warns that Existing occupational safety and health (OSH) measures are struggling to address this growing threat.
In its report 'Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate', the ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) may be exposed to excessive heat at some point in time. their work, according to the most recent figures available (2020), which, as a percentage of the global workforce, implies an increase from 65.5% to 70.9% since 2020.
"It is clear that climate change is already creating significant additional risks to the health of workers," said Manal Azzi, head of the ILO's OSH team, for whom it is "essential" to heed these warnings.
Additionally, the document estimates that 18,970 lives and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost each year due to the 22.85 million occupational injuries attributable to excessive heat, in addition to the 26.2 million people worldwide suffering from chronic kidney diseases related to heat stress in the workplace (2020 figures).
In this sense, beyond the impact of excessive heat, the ILO warns that other health conditions of workers have been related to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, kidney dysfunctions and diseases. mental.
An estimated 1.6 billion workers are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from non-melanoma skin cancer, and 1.6 billion people are likely exposed to workplace air pollution. resulting in up to 860,000 work-related deaths annually among outdoor workers.
Likewise, the study estimates that more than 870 million agricultural workers are probably exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 annual deaths attributed to poisoning by these products, while it estimates 15,000 annual work-related deaths due to exposure to pesticides. parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
"Considerations about safety and health at work must be part of our responses to climate change, both in policies and actions," emphasizes Manal Azzi to remind that working in safe and healthy environments is recognized as one of the principles and ILO fundamental rights at work.
