1、Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climateGlobal reportWorld Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climateGlobal reportCopyright International Labour Organization 2024First published 2024This is an open access work distributed under the

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10、 rests solely with their authors,and publication does not constitute an endorsement by the ILO of the opinions expressed in them.Reference to names of firms and commercial products and processes does not imply their endorsement by the ILO,and any failure to mention a particular firm,commercial produ

11、ct or process is not a sign of disapproval.Information on ILO publications and digital products can be found at:www.ilo.org/publns.Printed in Switzerland.AcknowledgementsUnder the technical guidance of Manal Azzi,this report was prepared by Natasha Scott(Independent Consultant),Halshka Graczyk and D

12、afne Papandrea.Special thanks go to Balint Nafradi,Lacye Groening,Andreas Hoibl,and Wafaa Alzaanin.Reviews were carried out by colleagues from the Labour Administration,Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health(LABADMIN/OSH)Branch,the Bureau for Workers Activities(ACTRAV),the Bureau for E

13、mployers Activities(ACT/EMP)and other ILO units,as well as Occupational Safety and Health field specialists.Thank you especially to Francisco Santos OConnor,Halim Hamzaoui,Mette Lund,Catherine Saget,Carmen Bueno,Yuka Ujita and Tsuyoshi Kawakami,whose inputs are reflected and highly valued.We are als

14、o grateful to colleagues in the Vision Zero Fund,Ockert Dupper,Paul Wallot and Yessica Calvario,for their contributions.Further thanks go to Andreas Flouris,Andrea Hiddinga-Schipper and Vidhya Venugopal for their technical contributions to the content of this report.XAcknowledgementsiiiTable of Cont

15、entsAcknowledgements iiiList of abbreviations vExecutive summary 1Introduction 5Climate change and worker safety and health 7The ILO and climate change 11 X1.Excessive heat 17Impact on worker safety and health 18Examples of responses to the risk 22 X2.Ultraviolet(UV)radiation 35Impact on worker safe

16、ty and health 36Examples of responses to the risk 39 X3.Extreme weather events 47Impact on worker safety and health 50Examples of responses to the risk 54 X4.Workplace air pollution 61Impact on worker safety and health 62Examples of responses to the risk 65 X5.Vector-borne diseases 73Impact on worke

17、r safety and health 75Examples of responses to the risk 78 X6.Agrochemicals 85Impact on worker safety and health 87Examples of responses to the risk 90Conclusions 102References 105Annex:A selection of tools and resources relevant for climate change 113ivXEnsuring safety and health at work in a chang

18、ing climateList of abbreviationsARPANSA Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyBBC Basal cell carcinoma BWI Building and Wood Workers InternationalCCOHS Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and SafetyCKDu Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiologyCOPD Chronic obstructive pulmon

19、ary diseaseCOP28 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCCDALY Disability-adjusted life year EU European UnionFAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsGDP Gross domestic productGHS Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of ChemicalsHHP Highly hazardous pestic

20、ideHSE UK Health and Safety ExecutiveIARC International Agency for Research on CancerIFA International Framework AgreementILO International Labour OrganizationINAIL Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at WorkITUC International Trade Union ConfederationLMIC Low-and middle-incom

21、e countryMIA Major industrial accidentNIOSH US National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthOEL Occupational exposure limitsOSH Occupational safety and healthOSHA US Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationPCBU Person conducting a business or undertakingPPE Personal protective equipment

22、SCC Squamous cell carcinoma SUSESO Chilean Social Security Superintendence AuthorityUAPP Unintentional acute pesticide poisoningUNEP United Nations Environment ProgrammeUNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UV UltravioletWBGT Wet bulb globe temperatureXAcknowledgementsv shoott

23、hebreeze/iStockExecutive summaryClimate change is already having serious impacts on the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world.Workers are among those most exposed to climate change hazards yet frequently have no choice but to continue working,even if conditions are dangerous.Globa

24、l occupational safety and health(OSH)protections have struggled to keep up with the evolving risks from climate change,resulting in worker mortality and morbidity.Collaborative efforts are needed to develop and implement effective mitigation and adaptation measures to protect workers across the glob

25、e.The International Labour Organization(ILO)has adopted more than 40 standards specifically related to OSH,which provide policy solutions for dealing with the effects of climate change on communities,workers and enterprises.Furthermore,the Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sus

26、tainable Economies and Societies for All(ILO 2015)can help to promote a safe and healthy working environment by supporting workers and employers throughout the transition to a low-carbon economy.In June 2023,the International Labour Conference urged constituents to implement OSH measures for all wor

27、kers impacted by climate-related risks and extreme weather events and asked the ILO to consider convening a tripartite meeting on OSH in extreme weather events and changing weather patterns.This report presents critical evidence related to six key impacts of climate change on OSH,which were chosen f

28、or their severity and the magnitude of their effects on workers:excessive heat,solar ultraviolet(UV)radiation,extreme weather events,workplace air pollution,vector-borne diseases and agrochemicals.Key takeaways from the report:XBillions of workers are exposed to hazards exacerbated by climate change

29、.XWorkers across different sectors are exposed to these hazards but some workers,such as agricultural workers and other outdoor workers carrying out heavy labour in hot climates,may be particularly at risk.XStrong evidence demonstrates that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to c

30、limate change,including cancer,cardiovascular disease,respiratory illnesses,kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions,among many others.XEvery year,an estimated 22.85 million occupational injuries,18,970 deaths and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)are attributable to excessive

31、 heat alone.Thousands more die from pesticide poisoning(300,000),workplace air pollution(860,000),solar UV radiation(18,960 due to non-melanoma skin cancer alone)and parasitic and vector-borne diseases(15,170)(Jrs et al.2018;ILO 2021a;Pega et al.2023).XMany countries have implemented new laws to spe

32、cifically address excessive heat in the working environment.These primarily include maximum temperature limits and guidelines for adaptive measures at the workplace level.For other climate change impacts,protections for workers are mainly integrated into existing OSH or environmental regulations.XTh

33、e content of legislation varies considerably between countries,but may include medical surveillance,occupational disease lists,occupational exposure limits(OELs),training and information,risk assessment and workplace preventive measures.XAs climate change hazards evolve and intensify,it will be nece

34、ssary to re-evaluate existing legislation or create new regulations and guidance.Some worker populations may be especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change and could therefore need extra protections.XExecutive summary1 XSocial dialogue between governments and social partners is essential

35、for ensuring policies are practical and effective at the workplace level.XOSH policies and programmes should be coordinated among government departments to ensure policy coherence.For example,it may be beneficial to integrate OSH initiatives into public health campaigns.XIn addition to adapting to t

36、he climate change impacts outlined in this report,workplaces can contribute to climate mitigation strategies using measures such as improving energy efficiency.XThe scientific evidence base regarding climate change and OSH is limited in many critical areas.Further research is needed to guide policym

37、aking and other responses.Knowledge transfer is also necessary to educate stakeholders.XRapid shifts to green and sustainable technologies may create new OSH challenges,especially if appropriate OSH protections have not been implemented.For example,solar panels,compact fluorescent lamps and lithium-

38、ion batteries contain toxic chemicals which are hazardous to worker health.Climate change and environment-related risksExamples of workers at high riskPrimary health impactsGlobal burden of occupational exposuresWork-related health impactsSelected responses and progress1.Excessive heatWorkers in agr

39、iculture,environmental goods and services(natural resource management),construction,refuse collection,emergency repair work,transport,tourism and sports.Heat stress,heatstroke,heat exhaustion,rhabdomyolysis,heat syncope,heat cramps,heat rash,cardiovascular disease,acute kidney injury,chronic kidney

40、disease,physical injury.At least 2.41 billion workers exposed annually to excessive heat.Every year,22.85 million occupational injuries,18,970 work-related deaths,and 2.09 million DALYs attributable to excessive heat.General OSH laws often include basic measures to protect workers from extreme tempe

41、ratures.However new laws and regulations have already been implemented in many countries as a specific response to excessive heat and are far more comprehensive.These commonly include maximum temperature limits and guidelines for adaptive measures at the workplace level.In line with the ILO List of

42、Occupational Diseases,a number of countries recognize excessive heat-related diseases as occupational diseases.Simple,evidence-based workplace protective measures include acclimatization,self-pacing,hydration,mechanization and clothing.2.UV radiationOutdoor workers,including in construction and agri

43、culture,lifeguards,power utility workers,gardeners,postal workers and dock workers.Sunburn,skin blistering,acute eye damage,weakened immune systems,pterygium,cataracts,skin cancers.1.6 billion workers exposed annually to solar UV radiation(Pega et al.2023).Over 18,960 work-related deaths annually du

44、e to non-melanoma skin cancer alone(Pega et al.2023).Some general OSH laws refer to the protection of workers against non-ionizing radiation,including solar UV radiation.However more specific legislation typically focuses on ionizing radiation or artificial radiation,thus excluding solar UV radiatio

45、n.In line with the ILO List of Occupational Diseases,some countries have included diseases caused by solar UV radiation in their national lists.Simple workplace protective measures include PPE,sunscreen and shaded rest areas.2XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climate3.Extreme weather

46、 eventsMedical personnel,firefighters,other emergency workers,construction workers involved in clean-up,agricultural and fishing workers.Various.Limited data.2.06 million deaths due to weather,climate and water hazards(not just occupational exposures)from 1970 to 2019(WMO 2021).Limited legislation w

47、as found protecting workers from the effects of extreme weather events.Some general OSH legislation requires emergency response plans for crisis situations,which include natural disasters,but these are quite broad and do not address new challenges effectively.In a few cases,new regulations have been

48、 adopted as a response to a specific issue,such as wildfires.Emergency prevention,preparedness and response are critical components of a national OSH management system.4.Workplace air pollutionAll workers,with a focus on outdoor workers,transport workers and firefighters.Cancer(lung),respiratory dis

49、ease,cardiovascular disease.Increased risk of exposure to air pollution for the 1.6 billion outdoor workers.860,000 work-related deaths annually attributable to air pollution(outdoor workers only)(ILO 2021a).Measures to reduce air pollution are mostly integrated into overall climate change mitigatio

50、n or public health policies.Traditionally OSH legislation addresses air quality,however predominantly in the context of preventing dust and fumes in indoor facilities,rather than in outdoor work environments.OELs exist for some air pollutants,but again are mainly linked to indoor work.Engineering co

51、ntrols(e.g.,adequate ventilation systems)are not usually applicable outdoors,but administrative controls,such as rotating job roles,may be effective.5.Vector-borne diseasesOutdoor workers including farmers,foresters,landscapers,groundskeepers,gardeners,painters,roofers,pavers,construction workers,fi

52、refighters,among others.Diseases such as malaria,Lyme disease,dengue,schistosomiasis,leishmaniasis,Chagas disease and African trypanosomiasis,among others.Limited data.Over 15,170 work-related deaths each year attributable to parasitic and vector diseases.Where it exists,legislation protecting worke

53、rs from vector-borne diseases is mainly included in legislation covering biological hazards.Diseases caused by biological hazards are frequently listed as notifiable occupational diseases,although vector-borne diseases are not always mentioned.Extremely limited research exists regarding protection m

54、easures for workers specifically.6.AgrochemicalsWorkers in agriculture,plantations,chemical industries,forestry,pesticide sales,green space and vector control.Poisoning,cancer,neurotoxicity,endocrine disruption,reproductive disorders,cardiovascular disease,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)

55、,immune suppression.Increased risk of exposure to agrochemicals for a significant number of the 873 million workers employed in agriculture.Over 300,000 deaths annually due to pesticide poisoning(Jrs et al.2018).There are numerous examples of national legislation covering the safe manufacture,storag

56、e,use and disposal of agrochemicals.Some countries have recognized pesticide-related health concerns in occupational disease lists.There is limited legislation regarding OELs and to date there is no harmonized,internationally agreed list of highly hazardous pesticides(HHPs).XExecutive summary3 FAO/A

57、rete/Isak AminiIntroductionEarths 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 Earths surface was 1.1C warmer than the average temperature in the late 19th century(IP

58、CC 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,as evidenced by the increase in the frequency and severity of heatwaves,heavy precipitation,wildfires,droughts and tropical

59、 cyclones(IPCC 2021).An analysis by the World Economic Forum found that by 2050,climate change is likely to result in 14.5 million additional deaths worldwide(WEF 2024).Workers,especially those working outdoors,are frequently the first to be exposed to the consequences of climate change,often for lo

60、nger periods and at greater intensities than the general population(ILO 2023).They frequently face conditions that the public can choose to avoid(Kiefer et al.2016).For air pollution alone,more than 1.2 billion workers are exposed and there are over 860,000 deaths annually(ILO 2021a).Occupational sa

61、fety 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 degeneratio

62、n and mental health issues.Vulnerable populations of workers,for example many migrant workers engaged in construction and agriculture in informal settings,are particularly at risk.Those in the emergency services will work in increasingly hazardous conditions as extreme weather events become more fre

63、quent and severe.Currently,1.2 billion jobs rely directly on the effective management and sustainability of a healthy environment,in particular jobs in farming,fishing and forestry(ILO 2018a).As ecosystems are disrupted and essential resources become scarcer,many jobs in these and other sectors are

64、now at risk.The financial implications for employers must also be considered,for example due to lost productivity,business disruption and damaged infrastructure,as well as the costs associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation measures as new regulations come into force.Some industries,s

65、uch as agriculture,conventional energy,heavy industry and manufacturing,transport and construction are projected to be substantially affected by climate change and the net-zero transition(Deloitte 2022).The time to act is now.Whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions through mitigation strategies suc

66、h 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 and OSH.The inclusion of the first ever Health Day at the UNFCCC 28th Conference

67、 of the Parties(COP28)creates the opportunity for positioning health,and in particular worker health,at the forefront of the climate change agenda.COP28 resulted in a Declaration on Climate and Health by over 120 countries,with over US$1 billion pledged to fund projects related to health and climate

68、 change(WEF 2024).In June 2023,the International Labour Conferences General Discussion Committee on Just Transition1 highlighted the need to“urgently implement OSH measures for all workers impacted by climate-related risks and extreme weather events,addressing the consequences on mental and physical

69、 health and promoting safe and healthy working environments.”It was consequently proposed that a tripartite meeting on OSH in extreme weather events and changing weather patterns be organized.Despite this new focus on climate change concerns,it is important to be aware that many of the workplace haz

70、ards covered in this report are not themselves new.The ILO has already developed tripartite responses to protect workers against such risks,in the form of international labour standards and other guidance.Furthermore,the inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle

71、and right at work means addressing dangerous climate change impacts in the workplace is now a top priority.1 ILC.111/Record No.7B.XIntroduction5Targeted policies are needed at the national level alongside effective workplace preventive measures to protect workers from the serious impacts of climate

72、change.These include excessive heat,extreme weather events,exposure to hazardous chemicals,air pollution and infectious diseases,among others.There is an urgent need to address these escalating threats,through the integration of climate and environment concerns into OSH policy and practice at all le

73、vels,as well the mainstreaming of OSH concerns into climate change action.This is crucial to protect the safety and health of workers and contribute to the ultimate goal of advancing social justice for all.Aim of this reportThis report presents critical evidence related to the impacts of climate cha

74、nge on OSH,to bring attention to the global health threat workers are currently facing.A scoping exercise was conducted to identify the most recent trends and priorities for climate change and worker safety and health.Based on the available evidence,the report addresses the following key issues:XExc

75、essive heat XUltraviolet(UV)radiation XExtreme weather events XWorkplace air pollution XVector-borne diseases XAgrochemicalsWhilst some of these risks may be considered as primary consequences of climate change(for example excessive heat),others can be regarded as secondary impacts(for example vecto

76、r-borne diseases and wildfires).These topics were selected due to the severity and magnitude of their effects on worker populations.It is acknowledged that other climate change or environmental impacts do exist,such as different communicable diseases and chemical hazards,however it was not possible

77、to cover all topics in this report.Mental health is touched on in a dedicated box towards the end of the report.The report also highlights the additional OSH risks that may result from certain“greening”practices,which bring with them the need for enhanced risk assessment for workers.For each climate

78、 change-related risk,the report aims to provide the most recent and pertinent evidence regarding worker exposures and the main safety and health effects that result.Each chapter also details existing responses to the risk.At the national level these responses may include policies and strategies,laws

79、,collective agreements,technical guidelines,training programmes,advisory initiatives and awareness-raising campaigns.At the workplace level,ILO guidance and effective actions identified in the research will be outlined.It is hoped that the findings here will stimulate upcoming discussions and provid

80、e a sound evidence base for future work in the field.6XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climateClimate change and worker safety and healthStrong evidence demonstrates that climate change and environmental degradation can lead to a deterioration of working conditions and an increased

81、risk of occupational injury,disease and death(Kiefer et al.2016).Aside from human-induced environmental degradation,consideration must also be given to the connections between different climate change impacts.For example,primary impacts such as increased temperatures can lead to secondary effects su

82、ch as wildfires and droughts,which are themselves also interdependent.Numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change,including cancer,cardiovascular disease,respiratory illnesses and mental health conditions,among many others(ILO 2023).In general,pregnant women,children,old

83、er adults and persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to health stressors such as extreme heat,air pollution and other climate-related events(NIH 2022a).Different sectors are affected in different ways and to varying degrees.Those at greatest risk include outdoor workers,who often work in phys

84、ically demanding sectors,such as agriculture,construction and transportation.Also at risk are those working in hot indoor environments or poorly ventilated enclosed spaces that lack adequate air conditions(Gamble et al.2016).Some working environments may become dangerous especially quickly,for examp

85、le those which already generate heat,such as bakeries,foundries and laundries.Furthermore,there will be increased pressure on emergency services,the healthcare sector and other public services,with emergency response workers such as firefighters facing increasingly hazardous working conditions.The e

86、ffects are unevenly distributed across regions,with certain workers and employers bearing a disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes.The greatest impacts will be felt by the working poor,those working in the informal economy,seasonal workers,and workers in micro and small enterprises(ILO n.d.).Cl

87、imate change threatens ecosystems and therefore the 1.2 billion jobs that depend on them,such as farming,forestry and fishing(ILO 2018b).Whole regions may be rendered unproductive and many work environments will be too hot for work.In other areas natural disasters will destroy critical workplace inf

88、rastructure and take lives.This will lead to an increase in climate-induced migration,an upsurge in informal work,and rising unemployment(ILO 2018b).For example,if the global temperature increases by 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century,asylum applications to the European Union(EU)are expecte

89、d to double(Missirian and Schlenker 2017).Aside from the climate change impacts explored in this report,other factors will also adversely influence the physical and mental well-being of workers,as well as their ability to work safely.As extreme droughts and water scarcity continue to occur more freq

90、uently,access to clean water and sanitation may become limited,leaving workers susceptible to disease(Gulland 2020).The negative impacts of climate change on employment can include job losses,damage to business assets and business interruptions,decreased labour productivity and forced migration(ILO

91、n.d.).The huge economic costs associated with workplace accidents and diseases are a drain on resources at the workplace,national and global levels.Employers will be impacted by a potential reduction in labour productivity or labour supply(Schulte et al.2023).Consideration should also be given to fi

92、nancial losses due to increased costs of production,accidents and injuries,and absenteeism(Habibi et al.2021).Even if global warming is limited to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century,the accumulated financial loss due to heat-related illnesses alone is expected to reach US$2.4

93、 trillion by 2030(ILO 2019a).In the United States of America,the health costs of air pollution and climate change already far exceed US$800 billion per year and this number is only expected to grow(De Alwis and Limaye 2021).XClimate change and worker safety and health7A global multisectoral response

94、 is needed to tackle the impacts of climate change using mitigation and adaptation strategies.Multilateral climate agreements,for example the UNFCCC,are key mitigation strategies in the area of climate change.These go hand in hand with mitigation policies at the national and workplace levels.Climate

95、 adaptation efforts are preventive measures to protect workers,economies and communities from the impacts of climate change.Given that climate change mitigation measures are unlikely to take effect for years to come,effective and targeted adaptation policies are critical to ensure safe and healthy w

96、orking environments(figure 1).XFigure 1:Mitigation and adaptation at the global,national and workplace levels Marcel Crozet/ILOGlobal levelNational levelWorkplace levelMitigation through multilateral environmental agreements e.g.UNFCCCMitigation through national policiesMitigation through workplace

97、practiciesMitigation and adaptation through international labour standardsAdaptation policies to protect workersAdaptation measures to protect workers e.g.risk assessment and preventative measuresXCross-cutting factors affecting climate change-related OSH risksWhilst workers all over the world may b

98、e adversely impacted by climate change,some face unique exposure situations which place them at higher risk:XWomen workers may be at increased risk due to their job roles,such as in subsistence agriculture,and during different life stages;pregnancy-related complications include hypertension,miscarri

99、ages and stillbirths(Desai and Zhang 2021;UNICEF 2023).XMen workers are most likely to carry out heavy manual labour,for example in construction and agriculture,often in hot conditions,and are therefore at high risk of many climate change impacts(Fatima et al.2021).XYoung workers are often exposed t

100、o excessive heat in sectors such as agriculture,construction and waste management and tend to be more likely to have a serious accident at work than older adults,as they may lack maturity,skills,training and experience(EU-OSHA n.d.).XOlder adult workers are particularly susceptible to climate-relate

101、d hazards,as they are less able to tolerate stress due to slower metabolisms,weaker immune systems and an increased disease burden(Carnes et al.2014).XWorkers with a disability experience disproportionately higher rates of social risk factors,such as poverty and lower educational attainment,that con

102、tribute to poorer health outcomes during extreme weather events or climate-related emergencies(Gamble et al.2016).XWorkers with pre-existing health conditions may be particularly impacted by climate change risks,as these may exacerbate pre-existing health conditions,including chronic illnesses such

103、as diabetes and heart,kidney and respiratory diseases(Carnes et al.2014).XMigrant workers are frequently employed in high-risk,physically demanding occupations,for example as harvest workers,and may be unable to understand OSH procedures and training materials due to language barriers(Schulte et al.

104、2023).XWorkers in the informal economy are among the workers most at risk of climate change hazards,as they are frequently lacking OSH protections,key services and infrastructure(Dodman et al.2023).Due to financial concerns,informal workers,as well as many own-account workers,may also be unable to s

105、top work,even when their health is at risk from extreme climate events.FAO/Hashim AziziThe ILO and climate changeThe ILO has recognized the urgent need to address the increasing impacts of climate change on workers safety and health.With the inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment in the

106、 ILOs framework of fundamental principles and rights at work,Member States are required to respect,promote and realize this fundamental right,including by protecting workers from workplace hazards and risks associated with climate change.The recently adopted ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safet

107、y and Health 2024-302 highlights that OSH concerns related to climate change should be positioned high on global and national policy agendas,with key partnerships secured at national and international levels.The ILO is strongly committed to the promotion of a Just Transition,recognizing that“greenin

108、g”the economy should be done in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned,creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.In June 2023,the International Labour Conferences General Discussion Committee held a meeting on a Just Transition.The conclusions urged

109、governments,employers organizations and workers organizations to“urgently implement OSH measures for all workers impacted by climate-related risks and extreme weather events,addressing the consequences on mental and physical health and promoting safe and healthy working environments.”Furthermore,on

110、the basis of the conclusions,the ILO was asked to consider convening a tripartite meeting on OSH in extreme weather events and changing weather patterns,which is now planned as part of the ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health Strategy 2024-30 and the plan of action for its implement

111、ation.2 ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health 2024-30.XThe ILO and climate change11International labour standardsInternational labour standards can strengthen adaptation frameworks by providing the legal foundation for addressing risks related to climate change(ILO 2018b).The Occupat

112、ional Safety and Health Convention,1981(No.155)covers workers in all branches of activity and defines the basic principles of a coherent national OSH policy.The key provisions require Member States,in consultation with the most representative employers and workers organizations,to formulate,implemen

113、t and periodically review a coherent national policy on OSH and the working environment,the aim being the prevention of occupational accidents and injuries by eliminating or minimizing the causes of hazards.It also outlines action at the workplace level,defining the responsibilities of employers and

114、 the roles of workers and their representatives,emphasizing the importance of cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives.Furthermore,the Convention provides for protection from undue consequences(in accordance with national conditions and practices)for workers who remove

115、 themselves from a work situation which presents an imminent and serious danger to their life or health(Art.13 and Art.19(f).This may also include serious risks related to climate change,as may be the case during and after extreme weather events.The accompanying Occupational Safety and Health Recomm

116、endation,1981(No.164)specifies that a national OSH policy should include measures dealing with“temperature,humidity and movement of air in the workplace”.Furthermore,the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention,2006(No.187)states that“each Member which ratifies this Conven

117、tion shall promote continuous improvement of occupational safety and health to prevent occupational injuries,diseases and deaths,by the development,in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers,of a national policy,national system and national programme”.Other r

118、isk-specific and sector-specific Conventions address particular climate change risks.These include the Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention,1993(No.174)and Recommendation,1993(No.181),which provide for preventive measures to avoid or minimize the consequences of industrial disasters d

119、ue to chemicals and other hazardous substances,and the Working Environment(Air Pollution,Noise and Vibration)Convention,1977(No.148)and Recommendation,1977(No.156),which contain provisions to protect workers from air pollution.Also,the List of Occupational Diseases Recommendation,2002(No.194)states

120、that,“a national list of occupational diseases for the purpose of prevention,recording,notification and,if applicable,compensation should be established by the competent authority”.The list takes into consideration several diseases that can be caused by hazards related to climate change,for example,

121、those caused by physical agents,optical(for example UV)radiation,or exposure to extreme temperatures.12XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climateGeneral climate-related OSH hazards Occupational Safety and Health Convention,1981(No.155)Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation,1981

122、(No.164)Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention,2006(No.187)Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation,2006(No.197)Occupational Health Services Convention,1985(No.161)List of Occupational Diseases Recommendation,2002(No.194)Safety and Health i

123、n Agriculture Recommendation,2001(No.192)Hygiene(Commerce and Office)Recommendation,1964(No.120)Workers Housing Recommendation,1961(No.115)Reduction of Hours of Work Recommendation,1962(No.116)Protection of Workers Health Recommendation,1953(No.97)Safety and health in construction(revised 2022),Code

124、 of Practice Safety and health in shipbuilding and ship repair(revised 2019),Code of Practice Safety and health in ports(revised 2016),Code of Practice Safety and health in forestry(1998),Code of Practice Safety and health in opencast mines(1991),Code of PracticeExcessive heat Plantations Convention

125、,1958 (No.110)Ambient factors in the workplace(2001),Code of practiceUltraviolet(UV)radiation Ambient factors in the workplace(2001),Code of practiceAir pollution Working Environment(Air Pollution,Noise and Vibration)Convention,1977(No.148)Working Environment(Air Pollution,Noise and Vibration)Recomm

126、endation,1977(No.156)Extreme weather events Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention,1993(No.174)Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Recommendation,1993(No.181)Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation,2017(No.205)Vector-borne diseases Workers Housing Recomme

127、ndation,1961(No.115)Technical guidelines on biological hazards in the working environment(2022)Agrochemicals Chemicals Convention,1990(No.170)Chemicals Recommendation,1990(No.177)Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention,2001(No.184)Safety and health in agriculture(2010),Code of practice Safety in

128、 the use of chemicals at work(1993),Code of practiceExisting international labour standards and codes of practice related to climate change and OSHGuidelines for a Just TransitionThe Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All(ILO 2015),develo

129、ped through tripartite discussion,can be used to ensure that no workers are left behind during the transition to a green economy.Overall,a Just Transition can help to promote a safe and healthy working environment by supporting workers and employers throughout the transition to a low-carbon economy

130、and ensuring that new jobs in the green economy are safe and healthy.Taking OSH into consideration is critical to a Just Transition,as risks may arise not only due to environmental changes,but also in new work processes or hazardous practices and materials used in the transition.While work processes

131、 that promote greener practices may reduce OSH risks by reducing workers exposure to hazardous substances,other processes and materials may increase risks.OSH is identified in the guidelines as one of the key policy areas to address the environmental,economic and social sustainability of the transit

132、ion.Recommendations related to OSH for governments,in consultation with social partners,include:XConducting risk assessments of increased or new OSH risks resulting from climate change.XImproving,adapting or developing awareness of OSH standards for technologies,work processes and new materials rela

133、ted to the transition.XAdopting and implementing applicable OSH standards and monitoring compliance through labour inspectorates.XWorking towards greater OSH policy coherence and cooperation among occupational health and environmental agencies with regard to regulation and enforcement.XPromoting the

134、 use of appropriate prevention,protection and safety processes.XIncentivizing companies and supporting research to better understand OSH risks and new technologies.XEstablishing bilateral OSH committees at the workplace level.XRegulating and incentivizing companies to reduce,minimize,and where possi

135、ble,eliminate hazardous materials across the supply chain of products and production processes.XAssessing and defining legislation to ensure that companies take appropriate steps to mitigate adverse impacts on health and safety throughout the life cycle of products and processes.In addition,actions

136、for governments and social partners include:XPromoting adequate OSH training in green jobs for workers,employers,OSH committees and labour inspectors.XAddressing the OSH impacts of informality,and facilitating the transition towards a formal economy,in activities related to the greening of the econo

137、my.14XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climateILO activities at the sub-regional levelThe ILO is involved with a number of initiatives at the sub-regional level which are linked to climate change and Just Transition.The Vision Zero Fund,a G-7 initiative that aims to reduce accidents,

138、injuries and diseases in supply chains,is implementing a range of activities to address the impact of climate change on the safety and health of workers.In Mexico,the Fund,in collaboration with the University of Colorado and the Mexican Institute of Social Security,is implementing a methodology to m

139、easure heat exposure and heat stress among workers in the tomato and chilli pepper sectors,and the perceived and direct impacts on the health and productivity of workers.The methodology includes both qualitative and quantitative components.The former include assessments of the selected companies and

140、 worksites workplace guidelines,standard operating procedures,worksite characteristics,and workers characteristics,behaviours and practices.For the quantitative research,data is collected on environmental conditions,measures of activity level and workload,hydration status,potential heat-associated s

141、ymptoms and illnesses,heart rate,body mass index and skin and core body temperatures.Findings will be used to inform the design,implementation and monitoring of workplace adaptation measures to reduce or mitigate workers exposure to heat that can potentially result in heat-related illnesses.Proposal

142、s regarding possible regulatory and legal improvements to prevent occupational heat stress at the national level will also be developed.In addition,the Fund is conducting research on the impact of climate change on the health of cotton farmers in Madagascar and agricultural subsistence farmers in Vi

143、et Nam that will inform future project activities.The research protocol for the first baseline heat exposure measurement has been finalized.XGender and Climate Change Training with Labour Inspection Departments in Egypt,Morocco and TunisiaTogether with the Decent Work for Women project,capacity-buil

144、ding sessions were organized by the ILO and relevant Ministries of Labour for 80 labour inspectors on the theme of“climate change,its impact on the world of work,OSH and gender”in Tunisia,Morocco and Egypt in 2023.The workshops aimed to raise awareness among the labour inspection body of the importa

145、nce of their role in monitoring,advising and supporting companies on climate change issues,including those related to OSH.The workshops explored the direct and indirect effects of climate change on womens health at work,discussing topics such as heat stress for women working in agriculture or other

146、outdoor settings,vector-borne diseases,air quality,extreme weather events,water scarcity,shifts in occupational patterns impacting tasks that women are engaged in,as well as psychosocial stress brought on by concerns about their families,homes and communities related to climate change.Discussions em

147、phasized the importance of implementing OSH measures,offering training on climate-related health risks,and promoting gender-responsive policies.As a result of the workshops,the first group of regional labour inspectors were trained on climate change concepts and then authorized to carry out local aw

148、areness-raising activities.XThe ILO and climate change15 Marcel Crozet/ILO1.Excessive heatWork-related health impactEvery year22.85 millionoccupational injuries18,970 work-related deaths2.09 millionDALYs attributable to excessive heat.Global burden of occupational exposuresEvery year,at least2.41 bi

149、llion workers exposed to excessive heat.Examples of workers at high-riskWorkers in agriculture,environmental goods and services(natural resource management),construction,refuse collection,emergency repair work,transport,tourism and sports.Primary health impactsHeat stress,heatstroke,heat exhaustion,

150、rhabdomyolysis,heat syncope,heat cramps,heat rash,cardiovascular disease,acute kidney injury,chronic kidney disease,physical injury.17The record-breaking trend of rising temperatures seen for much of 2023 has continued in 2024,with January being the hottest January on record,and the eighth month in

151、a row to be the warmest on record for the respective month of the year(WMO 2024).Rising global temperatures due to climate change will result in more frequent and severe heatwaves,causing increased mortality,reduced productivity and damage to infrastructure(Mora et al.2017).By the end of this centur

152、y,it is likely that all regions of the world will see increased health risks associated with extreme heat,with the poorest regions affected more than others.According to new ILO estimates,every year at least 2.41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat(i.e.,over 70 per cent of all workers).Com

153、paring exposure estimates for 2020 with those for 2000,there was a 34.7%increase in the number of workers exposed to excessive heat.3 This increase can be attributed to both rising temperatures and a growing labour force.In general,the countries most affected by heat-related risks have higher rates

154、of working poverty,informal employment and subsistence agriculture(ILO 2019a).Disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups and communities,such as indigenous peoples who are dependent on agricultural or coastal livelihoods,are at particular risk(ILO 2019a).Impact on worker safety and healthMaintai

155、ning a core body temperature of around 37C is essential for continued normal body function.If the body temperature rises above 38C,physical and cognitive functions are impaired;if it rises above 40.6C the risk of organ damage,loss of consciousness and,ultimately,death increases sharply(IPCC 2014).Wo

156、rkplace heat stress refers to the excess heat load a worker can be exposed to due to different contributing factors,acting alone or in combination(figure 2).These include environmental conditions,such as air temperature and humidity,and heat sources from industrial settings,for example heat-emitting

157、 sources and machinery.The duration and intensity of physical exertion will also contribute,as well as workplace OSH requirements,such as personal protective equipment(PPE).Even at moderate ambient temperatures,a high level of clothing insulation,especially through PPE,can lead to disruption of the

158、bodys heat balance.3 This ILO global data takes into account climate models,population data,labour force data from ILOSTAT,and occupational health information from ILO Global Estimates.The estimates were calculated by examining global temperature changes using climate models,which divide the world i

159、nto small approximately 55 km x 55 km grid cells.Daily maximum temperatures at a height of 2 meters were collected from 10 different climate models.Attributable fractions were calculated based on a recent systematic review and meta-analysis(Fatima et al.,2021)of 22 epidemiological studies representi

160、ng almost 22 million occupational injuries which found that the overall risk of occupational injuries increased by 1%for 1 C increase in temperature above 20.9C reference value and 17.4%(RR 1.174,95%CI:1.0571.291)during heatwaves.XInFocus Increase in medical care consultations and additional deaths

161、during the hottest days in ChileAccording to a 2023 study carried out in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile,days with temperatures of 35C were associated with a 23 per cent increase in medical care compared to days of 25C.During the hotter days,consultations for conditions such as hypertensio

162、n or arrhythmias increased by up to 52 per cent.When the maximum temperature rose to 38C,medical consultations doubled.High temperatures particularly affected people between the ages of 41 and 66,with 72 per cent of those impacted being women(Bupa Chile 2023).Another study from 2024 found that durin

163、g the heatwaves of 2017 and 2019,a total of 584 and 245 additional deaths were attributable to high temperatures,with those over 65 years of age being the most affected(Silva et al.2024).XInFocus Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology(CKDu)in tropical countriesEpidemics of chronic kidney diseas

164、e of unknown aetiology(CKDu)are affecting large numbers of workers conducting heavy manual labour in hot temperatures.CKDu has emerged in hot,rural regions of the Americas,Africa,the Middle East and India,where abnormally high numbers of agricultural workers have begun dying from irreversible kidney

165、 failure.It has been estimated that over 20,000 have died of this disease within a decade in Central America alone,with many more sick or injured and unable to work(Ramirez-Rubio et al.2013).Workplace heat stressMetabolic heat productione.g.performing physically demanding tasksEnvironmental heat exp

166、osurese.g.increased air temperature/humidity,limited air flow,radiant heat sourcesThermal insulatione.g.work clothing and/or PPE XFigure 2:Factors which increase heat-stress risksDifferent adverse health impacts have been associated with workplace heat stress.Acute effects range from mild to severe

167、and include heatstroke,heat exhaustion,rhabdomyolysis,heat syncope,heat cramps,heat rash and even death(NIOSH 2022).Longer-term impacts of chronic exposure to heat include cardiovascular disease,acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease,all of which are associated with hot working environments(

168、Flouris et al.2018;De Blois et al.2015;Moyce et al.2018).Furthermore,a recent scoping review found that a variety of mental health issues including depression,anxiety or irritability and suicide have been reported in workers who were experiencing heat stress(Amoadu et al.2023).Exposure to excessive

169、heat can also increase the risk of workplace accidents and injuries,caused by issues such as sweaty palms,fogged up safety glasses,dizziness and reduced brain function(EU-OSHA 2023b).Prolonged exposures may increase accident risk due to disorientation,impaired judgement,loss of concentration,reduced

170、 vigilance and fatigue(EU-OSHA 2023b).X1.Excessive heat19New ILO estimates have revealed that each year,22.85 million occupational injuries,18,970 fatalities,and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)are directly linked to exposure to excessive heat at work.4 Furthermore,in 2020,there we

171、re an estimated 26.2 million persons living with chronic kidney disease attributable to exposure to excessive heat at work.5A meta-analysis of 30 countries,including more than 447 million workers from over 40 different occupations demonstrated that 35 per cent of workers who are typically or frequen

172、tly exposed to excessive heat at work(a minimum of 6 hours per day,5 days per week,for 2 months of the year)experience physiological strain,while 30 per cent of them also report productivity losses(Flouris et al.2018).Workers of all ages are susceptible to the ill effects of excessive heat,even youn

173、ger populations(Ansah et al.2021).Older adults are especially affected however,due to reduced heat tolerance and poorer aerobic capacity(Lundgren et al.2013).The impact of excessive heat varies across sectors,but those most at risk include outdoor workers in physically demanding jobs and indoor work

174、ers in poorly ventilated workplaces where the temperature is not regulated(ILO 2019a).Such jobs are typically found in agriculture,environmental goods and services(natural resource management),construction,manufacturing,refuse collection,emergency repair work,transport,tourism and sports(ILO 2019a).

175、A recent EU Climate Risk Assessment report(European Environment Agency,2024)highlighted the impact of climate change on workers,noting that extreme temperatures and frequent heatwaves in southern Europe in 2020 and 2023 resulted in increased incidences of heat stroke and fatalities among outdoor wor

176、kers,especially those in the agriculture,construction,street maintenance,and waste collection sectors.Agricultural work is particularly hazardous,with one study finding that farmworkers are 35 times more likely to succumb to a heat-related death than workers in other occupations(Gubernot et al.2015)

177、.Workers in heavy clothes or PPE,such as pesticide sprayers and firefighters,also suffer.For example,exposure to extreme heat and physical exertion during 4 To assess the impact of excessive heat on occupational injuries,the methodology used integrates climate models,population data,labour force dat

178、a from ILOSTAT,and occupational health information from ILO Global Estimates.This was done by analysing examining global temperature changes using climate models,which divide the world into small approximately 55 km x 55 km grid cells.Daily maximum temperatures at a height of 2 meters were collected

179、 from 10 different climate models.Attributable fractions were calculated based on a recent systematic review and meta-analysis(Fatima et al.,2021)of 22 epidemiological studies representing almost 22 million occupational injuries which found that the overall risk of occupational injuries increased by

180、 1%for 1 C increase in temperature above 20.9C reference value and 17.4%(RR 1.174,95%CI:1.0571.291)during heatwaves.5 Calculations similar to the injury estimates were performed based on a recent meta-analytic data analysis(Flouris et al.,2018)encompassing data from nearly 22 thousand workers.The st

181、udy showed that 15 per cent of the 174.66 million workers who are typically or frequently working in excessive heat develop chronic kidney disease.The 26.2 million persons living with chronic kidney disease attributable to exposure to excessive heat at work constitutes the 3 percent of the total num

182、ber of people living with chronic kidney disease.XInFocus Workplace injuries in California,United StatesA study(Park et al.2021)found that even a modest increase in workplace temperatures led to 20,000 additional injuries per year in California,with a social cost of US$1 billion.By comparing records

183、 from 2001 to 2018 for more than 11 million California workers compensation claims to high-frequency local weather data,the authors isolated the impact of hotter days on the number of injury claims.The study shows that on days with high temperatures above 90F(around 32C),workers have a 6 to 9 per ce

184、nt higher risk of injuries than they do on days with temperatures in the 50s or 60s.When the thermometer tops 100F(around 38C),the risk of injuries increases by 10 to 15 per cent.XInFocusRising temperatures and chemical accidentsRising temperatures due to climate change can increase the volatility o

185、f temperature-sensitive chemicals,which could lead to accidents(Truchon et al.2014).Temperatures inside non-insulated,single skin chemical storage containers can reach as high as 50C when the ambient temperature is around 30C.“Thermal runaway”-exponentially increased heat from a thermal reaction-can

186、 cause violent boiling and rapid gas generation,leading to over-pressurization and explosions.This may result in the plant failing catastrophically,resulting in blast or missile damage,and a release of flammable materials could result in a fire or explosion(HSE 2014).More intense heatwaves can also

187、destabilize the components of munitions,particularly where explosives are not properly stored.Most munitions are designed to withstand severe heat,but only in the relatively short term.If exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity for long enough,munitions can become unstable.For every 5C increase

188、 above its ideal storage temperature,the chemical stabilizer used to prevent self-ignition depletes by a factor of 1.7(Schwartzstein 2019).Csondy/iStockfirefighting may trigger the formation of blood clots and impair blood vessel function,changes associated with increased risk of heart attack(Hunter

189、 et al.2017).Deaths caused by extreme temperatures are on the rise in the construction industry.According to the US Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA),US fatalities due to extreme temperature exposure increased by 18.6 per cent in 2022(Construction Briefing 2024

190、).A 2019 study by the US Center for Construction Research and Training found that construction workers accounted for 36 per cent of all occupational heat-related deaths from 1992 to 2016,despite only representing 6 per cent of the countrys overall workforce(Dong et al.2019).Office workers may also s

191、uffer heat-related risks when workplaces are not adequately equipped to cope with extreme temperatures.For example,increased temperatures in offices have been linked to negative physiological responses,including eye conditions and changes in respiratory patterns,which may consequently affect health

192、conditions and performance(Lan et al.2012).The combined impact of excessive heat and workplace chemical exposures could increase the likelihood of ill-health.Specifically,chemical agents can affect thermoregulatory mechanisms,which could reduce workers capacity to adapt to thermal stress(Truchon et

193、al.2014).One study(Bourbonnais et al.2013)identified 136 occupations with high potential of simultaneous exposure to heat and chemicals,with workers in metal manufacturing and roofing and firefighters at most risk.XWork productivity is reduced at high temperatures because it is either too hot to wor

194、k or workers have to work at a slower pace.The report Working on a Warmer Planet(ILO 2019a)looked at the impact of excessive heat on labour productivity and decent work.It projected that by 2030,2.2 per cent of total working hours worldwide will be lost to high temperatures a productivity loss equiv

195、alent to 80 million full-time jobs.Alarmingly,heat stress is projected to reduce global gross domestic product(GDP)by US$2,400 billion in 2030(ILO 2019a).The report found that the impact of heat stress is unevenly distributed geographically,with the expected reduction in working hours in 2030 amount

196、ing to around 5 per cent in both Southern Asia and Western Africa,and 0.1 per cent in the European subregions.Workers in subregions in tropical and subtropical latitudes are at higher risk of heat stress,due to the combined effect of extreme heat and the high share of agriculture in total employment

197、.These areas are characterized by high rates of informality,with workers particularly susceptible to rising temperatures due to a lack of OSH protections and prevention measures.X1.Excessive heat21Examples of responses to the riskPolicies,laws and other initiatives at the national levelSome countrie

198、s are including heat-related risks as a key priority in national OSH policies and strategies,recognizing the urgency of protecting workers and workplaces generally against this growing risk,and defining actions and initiatives to be implemented in the coming years.XChiles new National OSH Policy 202

199、4-28 includes the implementation of policies aimed at preventing“occupational risks derived from exposure to extreme temperatures”.XIn Japan,the prevention of heatstroke is one of the targeted outcomes of the 14th National Occupational Accident Prevention Plan 2023-27,with two specific indicators:1)

200、increased number of establishments addressing heat stress based on the wet bulb globe temperature(WBGT)value6 and 2)reduction of increase rate of heatstroke death.XThe Belgian National Plan of Action to Improve the Well-being of Workers 2022-27 acknowledges that climate change will directly and indi

201、rectly affect the well-being of workers.It specifically refers to major weather fluctuations,for example due to periods of extreme heat,stating that working in very high temperatures requires adjustments to be made to technical preventive measures(particularly ventilation and heating),the organizati

202、on of work,and the PPE made available to workers.XIn France,the National Plan for the Prevention of Serious and Fatal Injuries at Work 2022-25 identifies that the monitoring of mortality and serious injuries from heat stress is a key measure to improve knowledge and gain a better understanding of th

203、e circumstances in which serious and fatal heat-related injuries occur,in order to define the most appropriate preventive actions.XOne of the objectives of the Spanish Strategy for Safety and Health at Work 2023-27 is to manage the changes resulting from new forms of work organization,demographic ch

204、anges and climate change with a preventive approach.It lays out actions for the improvement and control of working conditions in activities most affected by environmental changes,for example,exposure to extreme temperatures,especially where there are workers with specific vulnerabilities or sensitiv

205、ities.OSH legislations historically addressed the protection of workers against extreme temperatures.However,the intensification of heat due to climate change may necessitate a re-evaluation of existing provisions.Some countries have already created or adapted regulations and guidelines to reflect t

206、he developing nature of this climate change hazard.National legislation often provides a range of acceptable temperatures for specific workplace circumstances.Some examples of these are shown in figure 3.6 The WBGT index takes into consideration ambient temperature,humidity,solar UV radiation and wi

207、nd speed.22XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climate XFigure 3:Examples of legislation regarding temperatures in the workplaceCountryLegislation regarding maximum work temperaturesArmeniaSpecial breaks should be granted where the work is performed at temperatures above 40C(Labour Cod

208、e of 9 November 2004.Art.153(3).AustriaAir temperature in work premises should be between 19 and 25C for work involving low physical stress and between 18 and 24C for work involving normal physical effort(Workplaces Regulation AStV.Art.28).BelgiumMaximum air temperatures,using the WBGT index,are set

209、 at 29C for light physical work,26C for moderate to heavy work,22C for heavy work,and 18C for very heavy work(Royal Decree of 4 June 2012 on thermal environmental factors.Section 2.1.).BrazilWork must be stopped in cases where the WBGT rises above 29.4C for low intensity work,27.3C for moderate inte

210、nsity work,26.0C for high intensity work,and 24.7C for very high intensity work(Regulatory Standard No.15(Annex 3).ChinaOutdoor work must cease when air temperature exceeds 40C(Administrative Measures on Heatstroke Prevention(AMPH2012).CyprusComplete work interruption for acclimatized workers when t

211、he WBGT rises above 32.2C for low intensity work,31.1C for moderate intensity work or 30.0C for high intensity work.For non-acclimatized workers,these values are reduced by 2.5C(Minimum Requirements for Safety and Health at the Workplace Regulations 2002).HungaryThresholds for indoor work are set at

212、 31C for light work,29C for moderate work and 27C for heavy work.When ambient air temperature is equal to or within 1 C of the upper limits,workers may only work a full shift after a one-week period of gradual acclimatization(Joint decree on the minimum level of occupational health and safety requir

213、ements for workplaces SzCsM-EM 3/2002(II.8.),Section 7).IndiaThe WBGT should not exceed 30C in factory workrooms(Factories Act No.63,1948).LatviaThe indoor work temperature limit is set at 28C,however exceptions exist for some industries or sectors(Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.35923 of 28 Apri

214、l 2009 on Occupational protection requirements in the workplace(Appendix 1)Ministru kabineta noteikumi Nr.359,Darba aizsardzbas prasbas darba viets).MozambiqueMining operations should be halted if temperatures exceed 33C(Legislative decree No.48/73 of July 5;General Safety Rules at Work in Industria

215、l Units 1973-07-05(Art.135).PortugalThe temperature of commercial,office and service establishments should,as far as possible,be between 18C and 22C,except in certain climatic conditions,when it may be as high as 25C(Decree-Law 243/86.Art.11).QatarWork must stop if the WBGT rises above 32.1C(Ministe

216、rial Decision No.17).SingaporeThe temperature in any working chamber,man-lock or medical lock in a worksite shall not exceed 29C(Workplace Safety and Health(Construction)Regulations 2007).Slovenia Has an air temperature threshold of 28C for working rooms,with exceptions for some types of workplaces(

217、Regulation on requirements to ensure the safety and health of workers at work.Art.25).South AfricaEmployers must take steps to mitigate heat stress if the average hourly WBGT exceeds 30C(Environmental Regulations for Workplaces 1987.Art 2).SpainIn enclosed workspaces the temperature must be between

218、17 and 27C for sedentary work and 14 and 25C for light work(Annex III of Royal Decree 486/1997).ThailandWork must be stopped when the WBGT rises above 34.0C for low intensity work,32.0C for moderate intensity work,and 30.0C for very high intensity work(Occupational Standard 2016).Viet NamIndoor work

219、place temperatures should not exceed 34C,32C and 30C for light,medium and heavy work respectively(Decision No.3733/2002/QD-BYT).The table shows that many countries requiring the implementation of control measures by employers refer to enclosed premises/indoor work.This recognizes the fact that it is

220、 far easier for employers to control the temperature in indoor spaces,for example using air conditioning or fans,than outside spaces,which are mainly beyond their control(EUROGIP 2023).Whilst figure 3 does provide some cases of national workplace temperature thresholds,its limitations must also be c

221、onsidered.Firstly,the list provided here is not exhaustive and there are many other examples not mentioned.Secondly,many of the figures in the table are not absolute limits,with most regulations offering a progressive approach,and employers required to adopt specific measures as temperatures increas

222、e,even above thresholds.For example,in Belgium,artificial ventilation devices should be installed within 48 hours if temperature limits continue to be exceeded,and rest breaks should be provided if high temperatures last beyond this.Also,legislation often includes exemptions or modified provisions f

223、or specific work types,locations or even sectors.This is the case for Latvia,where temperature limits do not apply to certain workplaces,such as motor,river,sea,air and rail vehicles,the mining industry,fishing vessels or agricultural and forestry undertakings.Furthermore,the use of occupational hea

224、t thresholds can in itself be problematic,as weather stations do not always directly measure some climate factors,including solar radiation,and workplace environmental conditions such as local heat sources,metabolic heat production from the human body and clothing properties are not taken into consi

225、deration.In certain countries,specific maximum temperatures are not provided,however it is the duty of the employer to maintain a comfortable workplace temperature or to protect workers from excessive heat.This is the case,for example,in Brunei Darussalam7,Egypt8,Gabon9,Senegal10,Mauritius11,Indones

226、ia12,Japan13,Antigua and Barbuda14,Barbados15,Costa Rica16,Lao Peoples Democratic Republic17,Republic of Korea18,Slovenia19,Switzerland20,Kazakhstan21,Denmark22,Italy23 and India24.In the EU25,the temperature in working areas,sanitary facilities,canteens and first aid rooms must be appropriate to th

227、e particular purpose of such areas.Some countries that regularly experience exceptionally high temperatures have adopted regulations prohibiting outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.7 Workplace Safety and Health(General Provisions)Regulations,2014(No.S.34).8 Labour Code(No.12 of 2003).Ar

228、t.208.9 Dcret n 01494/PR/MTEPS du 29 dcembre 2011 dterminant les rgles gnrales dhygine et de scurit sur les lieux de travail.Art.40.10 Dcret n 2006-1252 du 15 novembre 2006 fixant les prescriptions minimales de prvention des certains facteurs physiques dambiance.Art.10.11 Occupational Safety and Hea

229、lth Act 2005(Act No.28 of 2005).37.12 Law No.1 of 1970 on Occupational Safety.13 Industrial Safety and Health Law(Law No.57 of 8 June 1972)as amended.14 Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code(No.14 of 1975)(Chapter 27).15 Safety and Health at Work Act 2005.16 Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento

230、general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo.17 Law on Hygiene,Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.18 Occupational Safety and Health Act,1990(No.4420).19 Regulation on requirements to ensure the safety and health of workers at work.Article 25.20 Ordonnance no 3 du 18 aot 1993 relative la loi sur le

231、 travail(Hygine,OLT 3).21 Act of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Safety of Chemical Products,No.302-III ZRK of July 21,2007.22 Executive Order No.599 of 2004 on the Performance of Work.23 Decree No.81/2008 Testo Unico sulla Salute e Sicurezza sul Lavoro.24 Factories Act 1948(No.63 of 1948).25 Coun

232、cil Directive 89/654/EEC.Annex 1.7.224XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climate XIn Bahrain,the Ministry of Labour has established protocols to protect workers from the hazards of excessive heat during the summer months.According to Order No.3 for 2013 regulating working hours outdoo

233、rs,workers are not allowed to work outdoors between 12 p.m.and 4 p.m.from 1 July to 31 August each year26.Similar laws are found in Kuwait27,Oman28,Saudi Arabia29 and the United Arab Emirates(UAE)3031.XIn Qatar,in May 2021,a Ministerial Decision introduced an expansion of summertime working hours du

234、ring which outdoor work is prohibited.Under these rules,workers cannot work outside between 10 a.m.and 3 p.m.from 1 June to 15 September32.In addition,regardless of the time,all work must stop if the WBGT rises above 32.1C in a particular workplace.The new measures also introduced yearly health chec

235、ks for workers,as well as obligatory risk assessments for enterprises to mitigate heat stress,carried out in collaboration with workers.Moreover,employers must provide training on heat stress before the hot season starts,and workers should be given free and cool drinking water and access to shaded r

236、est areas(ILO 2021b).OSH legislation in some countries focuses on specific protective measures,such as acclimatization programmes(for example,Singapore33 and South Africa34),hydration(for example,Austria35,Benin36,Cameroon37,Chile38,Pakistan39,India40,Samoa41 and Saudi Arabia42),ventilation(for exam

237、ple,Argentina43,Barbados44,India45,Morocco46 and Senegal47),rest breaks in the shade or air conditioning(for example,Cameroon48,Saudi Arabia49),training(for example,Bahrain50,Oman51 and South Africa52)and the supply of PPE and other safety equipment(for example,Bahrain53,Plurinational State of Boliv

238、ia54,Eswatini55,Fiji56 and Italy57).Other countries have adopted more detailed provisions,defining a set of actions to be taken in the workplace,including risk assessment procedures and adequate prevention and mitigation measures.26 Ministerial Order No.(3)of 2013.27 Ministerial Decision No.535 of 2

239、015.28 Ministerial Decision No.(286)of 2008,as amended by the Ministerial Resolution(322)of 2011.29 Ministerial Resolution No.(3337)of 2014.30 Ministerial Decree No.401 of 2015 Concerning the Determination of Midday Working Hours.31 In some cases,for example Bahrain and Kuwait,oil and gas sector wor

240、kers are not covered by the legislation,leaving a significant proportion of the workforce unprotected.32 Ministerial Decision No.17.33 Enhanced measures to reduce heat stress for outdoor workers.2023.Article 2.34 Environmental Regulations for Workplaces,1987.Art.2(4)(b)(ii).35 Employee Protection Ac

241、t No.450/1994.Art.27(9).36 Arrt n 22/MFPTRA/DC/SGM/DT/SST du 19 avril 1999 portant mesures gnrales dhygine et de scurit au travail.Art.24.37 Arrt n 39/MTPS/IMT du 26 novembre 1984 fixant les mesures gnrales dhygine et de scurit sur les lieux de travail.Art.45(2).38 Decreto nm.594 por el que se aprue

242、ba el Reglamento de Condiciones Sanitarias y Ambientales bsicas en los Lugares de Trabajo.Article 96.39 Factories Act,1934.Art.20(3).40 Factories Act 1948(No.63 of 1948).Art.18.41 Occupational Safety and Health Act 2002(2002,No.5).Art.24(e).42 Procedural Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health

243、 for preventing the Effects of Exposure to the Direct Sun and Heat Stress 1442-2021.Art.4.1.5.43 Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo.Art.6(b).44 Safety and Health at Work Act 2005.Section 52.45 Factories Act 1948(No.63 of 1948).Art.13.46 Arrt du ministre de lemploi et de la formation prof

244、essionnelle n 93-08 du 12 mai 2008 fixant les mesures dapplication gnrales et particulires relatives aux principes noncs aux articles 281 291 du Code du travail.Chapter 3.47 Dcret n 2006-1261 du 15 novembre 2006 fixant les mesures gnrales dhygine et de scurit dans les tablissements de toute nature.A

245、rt.5.48 Arrt n 39/MTPS/IMT du 26 novembre 1984 fixant les mesures gnrales dhygine et de scurit sur les lieux de travail.Art.37.49 Procedural Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health for preventing the Effects of Exposure to the Direct Sun and Heat Stress 1442-2021.Art.4.1.10.50 Ministerial Orde

246、r No.8 of 2013 with respect to regulating occupational safety and health in establishments.51 Occupational Safety Regulations governing by the Labour Code(Ministerial Decision 286/2008).52 Environmental Regulations for Workplaces 1987.Section IV.Art.2(4)(b)(iv).53 Ministerial Order No.8 of 2013 with

247、 respect to regulating occupational safety and health in establishments.54 Decreto ley nm.16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979,ley general de higiene,seguridad ocupacional y bienestar.Art.80.55 Occupational Safety and Health Act,2001(No.9 of 2001).Art.9(4).56 Health and Safety at Work Act,1996(No.4 of 1996)

248、.Art.53(3).57 D.Lgs.81/2008 Testo Unico sulla Salute e Sicurezza sul Lavoro.Art.1.9.2.5.X1.Excessive heat25 XIn Spain,Royal Decree-Law 4/202358,enacted in May 2023,introduced urgent measures to address issues caused by weather conditions and to prevent labour risks during high temperatures.It requir

249、es protective measures for outdoor workers,based on occupational risk assessments,job characteristics,and workers personal or health conditions.Measures include restricting certain tasks during extreme weather and altering work conditions if hot weather warnings are issued,ensuring that salary is no

250、t reduced if work is interrupted.XChinas Administrative Measures on Heatstroke Prevention,issued in 2012,require employers to provide protective measures for outdoor and indoor workers.These include“carrying out health checks on employees working in high temperatures and adapting the work of workers

251、 suffering from heart,lung and cerebrovascular diseases,tuberculosis,diseases of the central nervous system and other physical conditions unsuited to the hot working environment.Article 8 lays down more specific provisions for the summer season:“during the period of high temperatures,the employer sh

252、all adopt reasonable arrangements for working hours,rotation of operations,appropriate increases in rest periods for workers in high-temperature working environments and reductions in work intensity”(EUROGIP 2023).Furthermore,for outdoor work,employers must comply with the following:“(1)If the tempe

253、rature reaches 40C,outdoor activities must be stopped for the whole day;(2)If the temperature is between 37C and 40C,the employer must ensure that employees do not work outdoors in the open air for more than 6 hours in total throughout the day and.during the 3 hours of the highest temperature period

254、 of the day;(3)If the temperature is between 35C and 37C,the employer must adopt measures such as rotating shifts to shorten workers continuous working time”(EUROGIP 2023).Furthermore,employers are required to conduct training on heat-related illnesses and provide cooling measures such as rest areas

255、,free cool drinks,and air conditioning in indoor workplaces.Workers who suffer from heatstroke and other heat-related complications must be given workers compensation and,in workplaces that cannot reduce temperatures below certain thresholds,employers must pay high-temperature subsidies to their wor

256、kers(EUROGIP 2023).XIn Germany59,if the air temperature in the room exceeds 26C protection measures such as ventilation systems,flextime regulations to shift working hours,relaxation of clothing regulations and fans should be implemented.In specific circumstances,further measures must be applied on

257、the basis of an adaptive risk assessment.These include when heavy physical work has to be carried out,when protective clothing that severely impedes the release of heat must be worn,if the employee has health problems,or the worker is young,old,pregnant or breastfeeding.Also,working rooms must have

258、suitable insulation against heat.XLegislation in Cyprus60 states that employers can lower temperatures using technical and organizational measures.Technical measures include interventions on the structural elements of buildings,in parts of the production process or on the workplace microclimate.Orga

259、nizational measures include providing training for employees,organizing working hours so that heavy work is carried out in the coolest hours of the day and providing workers with fresh drinking water and appropriate clothing.XIn 2015,the Costa Rican Ministry of Labour and Social Security,together wi

260、th the Ministry of Health,adopted a regulation61 specifically aimed at protecting outdoor workers from heat stress.It requires employers to implement several protective measures,including educating their workers on the health effects of heat stress,supplying PPE,allowing time for workers to acclimat

261、ize to high temperatures,providing rehydrating drinks,and ensuring shaded areas for rest.Additionally,workers are required to be part of a health surveillance programme,which focuses on monitoring kidney health and function.Legislation in a number of countries,for example South Africa62,Japan63,Belg

262、ium64,Bahrain65 and Saudi Arabia66,recommends that high risk workers undergo medical assessments in certain situations,for example,to assess if the worker is fit to work in hot conditions.58 Real Decreto-Ley 4/2023,de 11 de Mayo.59 Technische Regeln fr Arbeitssttten:Raumtemperatur ASR 3.5.Article 4.

263、4.60 Factories Law 1956.Article 18(1).61 Executive Decree NMTSS-017-2015 of the President of the Republic by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Labour and Social Security(Decreto Ejecutivo NMTSS-017-2015 del Presidente de la Repblica por el Ministro de Salud y el Ministro de Trabajo y Seguri

264、dad Social).62 Occupational Health and Safety Act No.85 of 1993.63 Industrial Safety and Health Law(Law No.57 of 8 June 1972)as amended.64 Book V(Environmental factors and physical agents),Title 1(Thermal atmospheres).65 Law No.(36),Part 16:Labour inspection and judicial powers.Art.171.66 Procedural

265、 Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health for preventing the Effects of Exposure to the Direct Sun and Heat Stress 1442-2021.Art 4.1.12.26XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climateIn line with the ILO List of Occupational Diseases Recommendation,2002(No.194),which includes in its

266、 Annex at 1.2.6.Diseases caused by exposure to extreme temperatures,certain countries recognize heat-related illnesses as occupational diseases.XFor instance,in Mauritius67,notifiable occupational diseases include“1.2.7 Diseases caused by extreme temperature(for example sunstroke,frostbite)”,in Mala

267、ysia68 they include“Conditions resulting from severe heat exposure,such as heat cramps or heatstroke”,and in Namibia69“Diseases caused by hot or cold work environments,and all work involving exposure to the risk concerned”.XIn Tunisia70,several maladies caused by work in temperatures greater than 28

268、C,such as muscle cramps with profuse sweating and oliguria,are included in table 83 of the list of occupational diseases.XIn France71,table 58 lists occupational diseases caused by working at high temperatures,including muscle cramps,oliguria and urinary chloride equal to or less than 5 g/litre.XThe

269、 list of occupational diseases provided in Decree 14229(art.4.2.1)in Lebanon includes occupational diseases that result from exposure to extreme heat or any work that exposes the worker to extreme heat that exceeds the national averages.In certain countries there are legal provisions dedicated to sp

270、ecific vulnerable groups of workers,such as pregnant women.XArticle 7 of EU Council Directive 94/33/EC of 22 June 1994 on the protection of young people at work prohibits the employment of young people in work in which there is a risk to health from extreme heat.XMexicos Federal Regulation of Occupa

271、tional Safety and Hygiene and the Working Environment explicitly forbids the assignment of pregnant workers to tasks in environments with unsuitable thermal conditions or extreme outdoor conditions that pose significant health hazards.XIn Cyprus72,employers should avoid exposing vulnerable groups to

272、 heat(for example those aged over 65,people with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,chronic renal failure,diabetes mellitus,reduced immune systems or other serious illnesses,pregnant or breast-feeding women,among others).67 Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005(Act No.28 of 2005).List

273、 of Notifiable Diseases point 1.2.7.68 Factories and Machinery Act 1967.No.12.69 Regulations relating to the health and safety of employees at work(Government Notice No.156 of 1997).Notifiable Occupational Diseases,page 92.70 Joint Ministerial Decree of the Ministers of Health and Social Affairs on

274、10 January 1995 defining the list of occupational diseases.71 Tableaux des maladies professionnelles,Tableau n58 du rgime gnral:Affections professionnelles provoques par le travail haute temprature.72 Code of Practice for Thermal Stress of Employees.X1.Excessive heat27Collective agreements can be hi

275、ghly relevant tools for the definition of additional measures at sectoral or enterprise level.They can be negotiated for different workplace issues,from specific matters arising on a daily basis affecting workers in an individual company or a particular sector,to extensive negotiations on terms and

276、conditions of employment impacting the workforce as a whole.In the case of heat-related risks in the workplace,collective bargaining has resulted in improved OSH protection measures for workers in different types of industries.XIn Spain,the general collective agreement for the construction sector73

277、provides(in art.166“Atmospheric factors”)that“when temperatures are extreme,particularly during heatwaves which have serious consequences for health,union representatives may propose different working hours in order to avoid the hours of greatest sunshine.Protective creams against severe weather con

278、ditions such as solar radiation,must also be available on construction sites”.This general agreement may be supplemented by local agreements,depending on the autonomous community or province.For example,regions such as Andalusia and Extremadura have restrictions on working hours in the summer(EUROGI

279、P 2023).XIn Greece,the national collective agreement for the construction sector and related industries74 provides that when temperatures exceed 38C in the shade,work must be interrupted without any reduction in daily pay.The collective agreement for workers in the shipbuilding and repair sector sta

280、tes that when temperatures are between 36C and 37C work should be suspended from 2 p.m.to 6 p.m.,and when temperatures reach 38C,from 1 p.m.to 7 p.m.(EUROGIP 2023).XIn 2023,the Teamsters,one of the largest unions in the United States,negotiated a new five-year deal with the shipping company UPS to a

281、dd air conditioning,exhaust heat shields,fans and improved ventilation to UPS trucks(Roscoe 2023).Concerns had previously been raised regarding the dangers UPS drivers face from heat,which can reach nearly 50C inside trucks.The UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement 2023-2028 is an example of how s

282、uccessful negotiations between employers organizations and workers groups can lead to significant improvements in OSH conditions for workers in a specific sector.73 Resolucin de 21 de septiembre de 2017,de la Direccin General de Empleo,por la que se registra y publica el Convenio colectivo general d

283、el sector de la con-struccin.74 .XInFocus BESIX International Framework Agreement(BWI 2023b)Building and Wood Workers International(BWI)concluded an International Framework Agreement(IFA)with Belgian construction company BESIX,which protects the safety and health of construction workers in the Middl

284、e East from extreme temperatures.The IFA states that sites must contain basic welfare elements,which include an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water,washing facilities and sufficient shelter for climate conditions.Furthermore,regular information should be given to workers on how to avoid clim

285、ate-related diseases,i.e.heatstroke and sunburn.In line with provisions on OSH in the IFA,BWI and affiliates were able to support improvements in working practices and OSH,including the provision of cool and shaded rest areas,water stations with cool water and rehydration salts,and mandatory water b

286、ottles and cooling gear for each worker.They also discussed how to adjust working time and shift patterns so that work happens outside peak hours and supported efforts to adapt safety helmets to the heat and encourage workers to wear them.A number of international and national OSH bodies and authori

287、ties have developed technical guidelines specifying the measures to be adopted in the workplace for protecting workers from heat stress.XThe Indian National Disaster Management Authority,in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs,published the National Guidelines for Preparation of Action Pl

288、an-Prevention and Management of Heat Wave to protect the Indian workforce in the face of heat extremes.These guidelines are aimed at public officials who want to prepare heatwave action plans for the general public in cities and towns.They emphasize the importance of:(1)educating workers;(2)ensuring

289、 proper hydration;(3)regulating work schedules;and(4)providing necessary medical facilities.The same guidelines highlight the importance of acclimatizing workers to high temperatures to reduce risks to their health while they work under workplace heat stress.They also highlight the need for employer

290、s to provide access to cool drinking water during work,as well as encouraging workers to consume traditional beverages that will help them to stay hydrated throughout their shifts.It is recommended that physically demanding jobs should be rescheduled to cooler times of day,and the frequency and dura

291、tion of work breaks increased during periods of extreme temperatures.Special attention should be given to pregnant workers and workers with underlying medical conditions.Lastly,it is advised that workers wear breathable,light-coloured clothing and hats,or use umbrellas.XThe US National Institute for

292、 Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH)Criteria for a Recommended Standard:Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments,published in 2016,contains a full list of recommendations to protect workers from heat stress.This includes guidance on workplace surveillance,medical monitoring,PPE,and worke

293、r information and training.Workplace control measures are also included.XThe EU has issued guidance on employers responsibilities to people working in high temperatures.The guidelines75,drawn up by European Agency for Safety and Health at Work,provide recommendations for employers,including:carrying

294、 out a workplace risk assessment and protecting vulnerable workers;consulting workers and their representatives about how to manage heat risks;adapting working hours and allowing workers to decide when to take breaks;ensuring workers have a supply of drinking water,access to a shaded area and protec

295、tive clothing;and providing training on how to manage heat stress for at-risk workers.XIn the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,the Health and Safety Executive(HSE)76 gives recommendations for employers on how to protect workers in workplaces where heat stress is an issue all year

296、,such as bakeries and foundries,and also in very hot weather where there is increased risk.Information is provided on methods to assess the risk of heat stress occurring and ways to identify workers more susceptible to heat stress.Methods to reduce the risk of heat stress are also outlined,including

297、 temperature controls,limiting work rate and length of exposure,preventing dehydration,PPE,training and acclimatization.XIn Italy,the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work(INAIL),in collaboration with the National Research Councils Institute of BioEconomy,published a guide for w

298、orkers,employers and company OSH managers,containing guidelines for preventing illnesses caused by heat stress.The document contains a catalogue of conditions linked to heat stress and provides guidance to identify risks and implement effective protection measures,for example training,emergency plan

299、ning and acclimatization(EUROGIP 2023).XIn New Zealand,WorkSafe has a number of online tools for work in hot environments77.Working Safely in Extreme Temperatures,concerned with any outdoor work during summer,provides advice on risk assessment in the event of extreme temperatures,as well as preventi

300、ve measures,for example health checks.Two further sources of practical information are Working in Extreme Heat-a Guide for Businesses and Working in Extreme Heat a Guide for Workers.In some countries,public authorities and other bodies have developed training programmes and advisory initiatives to e

301、ducate and assist employers and workers in addressing hazards related to heat and preventing the risks of heat stress at work.75 Heat at work Guidance for workplaces.76 Temperature in the workplace.77 Working safely in extreme temperatures.X1.Excessive heat29 XThe United Arab Emirates Government has

302、 launched the“Safety in the Heat”programme in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre(ADPHC 2023).This programme focuses on educating approximately 800,000 workers and employers on effective strategies for managing excessive heat in the workplace,such as hydration,salt intake,rest brea

303、ks,gradual adjustment to heat,reduced work demands,and monitoring of at-risk individuals.It also includes training on handling heat-related illnesses.XThe Social Security Superintendence Authority(SUSESO)of Chile instructed occupational accidents and diseases insurance organizations to adopt prevent

304、ive measures against exposure to high temperatures in the workplace.Technical assistance from these organizations must include:1)training for employing entities on the definitions,scope and effects on human health of the different types of heat events due to high temperatures and extreme high temper

305、atures that may occur within the framework of meteorological alerts;2)technical assistance to employers for the preparation and implementation of emergency and contingency plans which include risk assessments for each task and/or job;3)identification of the main disorders and diseases associated wit

306、h heat events(heatstroke,heat exhaustion,heat cramps,heat fainting or syncope,heat oedema,heat rash,among others);4)identification of risk groups or especially sensitive people and preventive measures to be implemented for their protection;5)preparation and dissemination of information outlining pre

307、vention measures.In 2020,the Institute of Public Health reviewed the Protocol for Heat Stress Measurement and established a standardized methodology for the use of heat stress monitoring equipment in occupational heat exposure assessment.Awareness-raising campaigns are important for spreading inform

308、ation and knowledge and stimulating action on OSH issues.Such initiatives can be organized by public authorities,OSH bodies,trade unions and employers and business membership organizations.Awareness campaigns can address groups of workers in a region affected by a particular climate threat,workers i

309、n specific sectors,employers or the public in general.XThe OSH committee of the Bahrain Free Labour Unions Federation conducted a health and safety awareness campaign aimed at outdoor workers who are required to work in direct sunlight in the middle of the day(BFLUFBH 2018).The campaign provided inf

310、ormation on the risks of sun exposure and how to prevent heatstroke during working hours.The Federation also conducted checks on constructions sites and gave on-site advice to workers about staying hydrated and wearing light clothing.Furthermore,the Federation asked the Government of Bahrain to exte

311、nd the midday work ban to other months of the year,to account for rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.XIn Japan,the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare,in collaboration with other ministries and OSH institutes and associations,organized a national awareness-raising campaign on heatstro

312、ke prevention,with targeted initiatives in high-risk sectors(construction,transport,ports,forestry).XIn Belgium,the International Trade Union Confederation(ITUC)has been working with the care sector to raise awareness of how climate change concerns can impact workers in the sector and how workers in

313、 care homes can advocate for safe and healthy working environments.Coping with Climate Change in the Care Sector is a guide for workers produced by ITUC,which outlines the role workers can play in creating policies to adapt the care sector to climate change.These include awareness-raising campaigns,

314、social dialogue between employers and workers,and advocacy by unions at local,regional and national levels.For example,in Flanders,unions are working with the environmental movement and other social organizations via Reset Vlaanderen on Just Transition.The Warme Dagen Hot Days campaign makes many ti

315、ps and campaign materials available for organizations to work on climate adaptation locally.XIn Australia,the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Health,Safety and Wellbeing team have published guidance for employers to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive heat in the workplace.The gu

316、idance explains how heat load may impact workers and the types of workplace controls that can be implemented to protect them.Businesses can also seek advice from the team on how to prepare,review and improve procedures and practices for working in hot conditions and methods of skilling staff in thes

317、e complex safety management needs.XIn Spain,the Confederation of Employers of Cuenca,in collaboration with the Social Dialogue Council of Castilla La Mancha,organized an awareness-raising initiative on work organization in extreme temperatures,focusing on preventive measures and adaptation(EnciendeC

318、uenca 2023).The one-day conferenceaimed to educate those attending about the recently adopted Royal Decree 4/2023,which established protection measures for workers exposed to extreme temperatures.XIn France,the employer organization Mouvement des Enterprises de France provides guidance to employers

319、on how to protect workers during heatwaves.This includes advice on their legal obligations,as well as practical ways to avoid heat-related accidents(MEDEF 2023).30XEnsuring safety and health at work in a changing climateIn some instances,dedicated committees have been set up between government minis

320、tries and other agencies to promote the development of policies,programmes and initiatives in a comprehensive and systematic manner.XIn Japan,the Committee for the Promotion of Heatstroke Control was established in 2021.The Committee,which succeeds the Coordination Committee on Heatstroke establishe

321、d in 2007,meets 3-4 times a year to discuss the reporting of heatstroke cases,the weather forecast and estimated risks,and joint initiatives on the prevention of heatstroke such as National Plans,updating the legal framework,targeted campaign activities,and awareness materials.Chaired by the Ministe

322、r of Environment,the Committee involves the Cabinet,the Children and Families Agency,the Fire and Disaster Management Agency,the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare,the Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries,the Ministry of Ec

323、onomy,Trade and Industry,the Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism,the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan Meteorological Agency.Management of heat-related risks at the workplace levelThere are a number of evidence-based practices that can be implemented in the workplace to manage ris

324、ks from excessive heat.These include hazard identification and risk assessment,and the adoption of preventive and adaptive measures,implemented according to the hierarchy of controls.There are five categories in the hierarchy:elimination,substitution,engineering controls,administrative controls and

325、PPE,with control methods at the top of the hierarchy(elimination)being more effective than those at the bottom(PPE).With respect to excessive heat,protection measures focusing on eliminating the hazard are often unpractical for many businesses.However,engineering controls are an effective way to pre

326、vent heat stress,particularly in indoor workplaces.These may include air conditioning to reduce temperature,ventilation,fans to dilute warm air and shade structures to block solar radiation(Cheveldayoff et al.2023).At the next level of the hierarchy,administrative controls are changes to tasks or sc

327、hedules to reduce heat stress,such as scheduling work to avoid the hottest times of the day.In most cases,heat stress should be reduced by engineering and administrative controls,but in some limited situations,special cooling devices can protect workers in hot environments(OSHA,n.d.).XInFocus BWI ca

328、mpaign for healthy and safe workplaces in the time of a climate emergency(BWI 2023a)In 2023,BWI launched a new campaign dubbed“Heat-up Workers Rights,Not the Planet!”It sought to recognize the importance of health and safety under extreme heat and extreme weather events,and to demand better jobs and

329、 conditions for workers in the time of a climate emergency.Actions organized by the campaign included putting posters in support of workers rights to health and safety in workplaces,sharing messages on social media to raise awareness and writing to relevant government ministries.X1.Excessive heat31

330、Marcel Crozet/ILOEvidence has shown that simple and effective interventions to prevent heat stress include self-pacing,hydration,mechanization and clothing(Ioannou et al.2022).The following practices are advocated by organizations such as OSHA,NIOSH and the American Conference of Governmental Indust

331、rial Hygienists and can be immediately implemented by employers(Watson et al.2023):XBreaks-Can be used to reduce the risk of hyperthermia despite hot working conditions.Regular breaks,in shaded or cooled areas where possible,slow down the build-up of heat in the body from prolonged work activity.The

332、y have been shown to be effective in some industries,for example agriculture and tourism.XHydration-The single most important and feasible strategy.750ml of water every hour of work in the heat has been found to reduce occupational health strain without impacting labour productivity.XMechanization-C

333、an enhance labour productivity without increasing heat strain.XClothing-Loose,light-coloured,breathable work coveralls have been shown to reduce occupational heat strain in agricultural workers by 0.4C.Ventilated garments,such as short-sleeved shirts with integrated electric fans,reduce heat strain in agricultural workers,but have limited practicality.Using a bandana soaked in cool water has been