Climate change is no longer merely a prediction—it is a lived reality shaping the landscapes of industries and societies globally. Its effects extend beyond environmental challenges, impacting occupational health and safety (OHS) management across all sectors. From extreme weather events to rising global temperatures, the changing climate introduces new hazards and exacerbates existing risks in the workplace. It is imperative, therefore, for organisations to consider climate change events when conducting risk assessments.

Climate change manifests in various ways—rising atmospheric and surface temperatures, sea-level rise, shifting weather patterns, and an increased frequency of extreme events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. These changes bring with them a host of workplace safety challenges:

Rising global temperatures mean more frequent and intense heatwaves. Workers exposed to outdoor environments, such as construction, agriculture, and landscaping, are at heightened risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion. High temperatures also impair cognitive and physical performance, increasing the likelihood of mistakes, injuries, or accidents.

Extreme events such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires wreak havoc on communities and operational facilities. These events pose immediate physical hazards, such as injuries from collapsing structures, and long-term risks, such as harmful environmental exposures (e.g., residual chemicals or smoke).

Rising temperatures and pollution levels contribute to poor air quality, increasing the incidence of respiratory illnesses among workers. Wildfires, becoming more frequent due to climate change, further deteriorate air quality, endangering outdoor workers and individuals in poorly ventilated indoor environments.

Climate changes may lead to ecosystem shifts, impacting industries such as forestry and agriculture. For example, spreading vector-borne diseases (e.g., Lyme disease or malaria) into new regions poses a biological hazard to exposed workers.

Risk assessments are critical for identifying hazards and preventing accidents in the workplace. Traditionally, these assessments have been centred on known occupational risks but often need to account for the unpredictable, evolving risks associated with climate change. To remediate this, a climate-resilient approach is essential. Here is how organisations can embed climate change considerations into their OHS risk assessments:

1. Understand Climate-Related Hazards Begin by identifying how climate change may directly or indirectly affect the workplace. Data from meteorological agencies, industry-specific reports, and local forecasting tools can help determine the areas and workers at risk. Focus on extreme weather patterns, environmental health impacts, and seasonal changes that may endanger employees.

2. Assess Vulnerable Worker Populations Recognise specific groups of workers who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Outdoor workers, employees with pre-existing health conditions, and those in regions prone to extreme weather events must be prioritised in risk evaluations.

3. Update Risk Parameters Regularly Climate-related risks are not static; they evolve over time. Conduct regular updates to risk assessments and integrate climate projections to anticipate future hazards. This dynamic approach ensures long-term preparedness.

5. Develop Mitigative and Adaptive Strategies After identifying climate-related risks, put policies and procedures in place to mitigate them. For example:

• Introduce heat mitigation strategies such as hydration stations, shade structures, and alternative work hours.
• Implement evacuation protocols and training for disasters like hurricanes or wildfires.
• Strengthen air ventilation systems and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where needed.

6. Collaborate and Invest in Training Work closely with environmental experts, OHS professionals, and policymakers to create a coordinated approach. Empower employees with the knowledge and skills to recognise, report, and respond to climate-related risks in their workplace.

Organisations must pay attention to the relationship between climate change and workplace safety. Failing to address the evolving risks associated with climate-related hazards can result in severe consequences, including harm to employees, legal liability, and long-term operational disruptions. Conversely, proactively integrating climate resilience into OHS management fosters a culture of preparedness and commitment to worker safety.

Today, investing in climate-smart OHS strategies ensures safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces for future generations.