The Impact of Climate Change on Worker Safety and Health
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: International Labour Organization’s (ILO), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
For Mains: GS III: Environment & Ecology -Impact of Climate Change on Workers, Policy and Mitigation Strategies
Highlights of the Article
Heat stress is significantly affecting worker safety, health, and productivity worldwide
Expected to reduce global working hours by 2.2% and GDP by $2,400 billion by 2030
Asia and Pacific regions face the highest GDP losses
Context
In recent periods, climate change and environmental degradation have significantly affected the safety and the health of workers worldwide. Heat stress is anticipated to affect labour efficiency and productivity, in turn reducing work hours and hindering the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) objective of promoting fair and decent employment. Workers, who are particularly vulnerable to climate change hazards, sometimes cannot cease working despite hazardous conditions because of financial constraints
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1. Introduction
In recent periods, climate change and environmental degradation have significantly affected worker safety and health globally. As climate change intensifies, heat stress emerges as a critical concern, undermining labor efficiency and productivity, thereby challenging the International Labour Organization's (ILO) objective of promoting fair and decent employment. This editorial analysis delves into the multifaceted impact of heat stress on workers and explores potential mitigation strategies
2.The Health Toll of Heat Stress
- Heat stress poses severe health risks, including heat stroke, heat cramps, cardiovascular disease, acute kidney injury, and physical injuries.
- According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), maintaining a core body temperature of approximately 37°C is essential for normal physiological activities.
- Temperatures exceeding 38°C impair cognitive and physical capabilities, exacerbating the vulnerability of workers, particularly those in heat-exposed sectors like subsistence agriculture.
- Women in these sectors face additional risks, such as pregnancy-related complications including hypertension, miscarriages, and premature births
3. Economic and Productivity Impact
- The ILO's 2019 study estimated that heat stress could reduce global working hours by 2.2% and decrease global GDP by $2,400 billion by 2030.
- Agricultural and construction workers are projected to be the most affected, accounting for 60% and 19% of lost working hours, respectively.
- Further, a 2024 ILO report highlights that 2.41 billion workers worldwide are exposed to extreme heat, leading to approximately 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 fatalities annually.
- The Asia-Pacific region faces the highest GDP losses due to heat stress, with significant economic repercussions anticipated in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and India
4.Regional Disparities and Vulnerabilities
- Heat stress impacts are unevenly distributed across regions, with southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa being the most susceptible due to their climate conditions and high poverty levels.
- These regions are expected to experience a nearly 5% reduction in working hours by 2030, exacerbating existing inequalities and impeding efforts to reduce poverty.
- In India, rising temperatures are projected to affect 160-200 million people annually by 2030, resulting in significant job losses and a substantial decline in productivity, particularly among female brickmaking workers
5.Policy and Mitigation Strategies
- To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach involving governments, employers, and workers is essential.
- The National Disaster Management Authority of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has developed guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat. These guidelines emphasize education, hydration, work schedule management, and medical facilities.
- At the international level, the General Discussion Committee of the International Labour Conference in June 2023 stressed the urgency of implementing measures to safeguard workers from climate-related risks.
- These measures include improving infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and enforcing international labor standards related to occupational safety and health
The Role of Green JobsIn the context of climate change, promoting green jobs offers a promising solution for ensuring worker safety and economic sustainability. Green jobs not only help protect and restore the environment but also support economic and social well-being. Regulatory and legislative measures, coupled with infrastructure improvements, can create safer working conditions for heat-exposed workers while fostering a transition to a greener economy. |
6. Conclusion
The escalating impact of climate change on worker safety and health necessitates urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders. By prioritizing worker protection, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting green jobs, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress and pave the way for a more resilient and equitable future of work. The well-being of workers, particularly the most vulnerable, must remain at the forefront of efforts to address the challenges posed by a warming world
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Mains Practice Questions
1."Climate change, particularly heat stress, poses a significant threat to global labor productivity and economic growth." Discuss this statement in light of recent studies by international organizations. Suggest measures to mitigate these impacts.
2.Examine the disproportionate impact of climate change on workers in developing countries, with special reference to India. What steps can be taken to protect vulnerable workers?
3.Analyze the potential consequences of heat stress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to decent work and economic growth
4.Critically evaluate India's policy response to the challenges posed by heat stress on its workforce. What additional measures could be implemented to enhance worker protection?
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