A recent report by the United Nations has issued a stark warning about the health risks that workers globally are facing due to climate change. The report reveals that around 70% of the global workforce, approximately 2.4 billion workers, are likely to be exposed to extreme heat during their work. This alarming figure is a clear indication of the immediate and serious threat posed by climate change to the workforce worldwide.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), climate change is a key factor in the increase of diseases among workers. Various elements such as excessive heat, extreme weather, solar UV radiation, and air pollution resulting from climate change are creating a hazardous work environment for millions.
The report offers some shocking statistics to underline the gravity of the situation. Every year, around 18,970 deaths are linked to occupational injuries from excessive heat. What’s more, over 26.2 million individuals are battling chronic kidney disease due to heat stress at work, a condition that can lead to serious health complications and death.
Air pollution exposure, another adverse effect of climate change, is equally lethal, causing more than 860,000 deaths among outdoor workers annually. In addition, nearly 19,000 deaths are reported each year from non-melanoma skin cancer caused by exposure to solar UV radiation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. has reported an increase in deaths related to environmental heat exposure, with 36 workers’ lives claimed in 2021, and 56 in 2020. These figures, although specific to the U.S., suggest a global trend of rising concern for heat illness due to increasing average temperatures.
To combat the escalating effects of climate change on workers, the ILO is urging governments to improve legislation to better protect them. This could include stricter regulations on working hours, improved safety measures, and increased awareness campaigns about the risks of heat stress and exposure to harmful elements.
Furthermore, the report highlights that approximately 1.6 billion workers are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and air pollution at work. These exposures lead to a variety of health issues, including non-melanoma skin cancer and up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers each year.
It is also important to note that certain subsets of workers, such as U.S. firefighters dealing with larger and more frequent wildfires due to high heat and excessively dry conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These workers are at the forefront of the climate crisis and are facing the brunt of its devastating effects.
The report by the United Nations and the ILO is a dire warning of the immediate dangers of climate change to the global workforce. It is a call to action for governments and organizations worldwide to prioritize the health and safety of workers in the face of this global crisis.
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