‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’ published released by International Labour Organization (ILO) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’ published released by International Labour Organization (ILO)

Posted 23 Apr 2024

2 min read

  • Report highlights the impacts of climate change on Occupational safety and health (OSH). 

 

  • Impact of Climate change on OSH
    • Climate-related threats: 
      • Every year, 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to excessive heat alone.
      • Some workers, such as agricultural workers and other outdoor workers carrying out heavy labour in hot climates, are particularly at higher risk.
      • Numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction mental health conditions etc.
    • Vulnerable sections:  
      • Women workers may be at increased risk due to their job roles, such as in subsistence agriculture. 
      • Workers with a disability are particularly vulnerable due to poverty and lower educational attainment.  
    • India Related findings: An estimated 100,000 farmers committed suicides between 1993 and 2003, for reasons such as water shortages and decreased crop yields.

 

  • Existing international labor standards related to climate change and OSH
    • Climate-related OSH Hazards: The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 198, Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006, etc.
    • Excessive Heat: Plantations Convention, 1958, Ambient factors in the workforce, etc. 
    • Air pollution: Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise, and Vibration) Convention, 1977. 

Recommendations 

  • OSH policies and programs should be coordinated among government departments to ensure policy coherence.
  • Targeted policies at the national level alongside effective workplace preventive measures.
  • Global multisectoral response to tackle the impacts of climate change using mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  • Tags :
  • Occupational safety and health (OSH)
  • Climate Change and Occupational safety
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