How Climate Change is Impacting The WorkPlace

Climate change isn’t just a distant concern—it’s even reshaping our work in profound and often
alarming ways. According to a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO),
over 2.4 billion workers worldwide, roughly 70% of the global workforce, face climate
change-related health hazards at work. These hazards include workplace air pollution,
pesticide poisoning, and increased exposure to solar UV radiation.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect highlighted in the report is the impact of excessive heat
on workers. Shockingly, over 26.2 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney
disease due to occupational heat stress. Even more distressing is the fact that approximately
18,970 lives are lost each year due to excessive heat in the workplace.
These findings underscore the urgent need for action to address the intersection of climate
change and occupational safety and health. As Manal Azzi, an ILO leader of occupational safety
and health, rightly emphasizes, “Occupational safety and health considerations must
become part of our climate change responses, both policies and actions.”
So, what exactly can we do about it? Let’s explore some simple yet impactful tips for people and
companies to contribute to a healthier environment:
1. Power down:
Encourage employees to turn off lights, computers and other electronics when not in use. Small
actions like these can add up to significant energy savings over time. Consider implementing
power-saving settings on computers and other devices to automatically shut down or enter
sleep mode when inactive for a certain period.
2. Green commute:
Encourage carpooling, biking or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions from
daily commutes. Consider offering incentives such as commuter benefits or flexible work
schedules to support sustainable options. Provide secure bike storage facilities and amenities
such as showers and changing rooms to encourage employees to bike to work.
3. Waste less:
Implement recycling programs to reduce waste sent to landfills. Provide clearly labeled recycling
bins and composting bins to make it easy for employees to participate. Consider conducting
waste audits to identify areas for improvement and set waste reduction goals for the
organization.
4. Go renewable:
Invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to power your
workplace. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also demonstrates your
commitment to environmental sustainability. Maybe even consider partnering with local utilities
or renewable energy providers to transition to clean energy sources.
5. Get involved:
Foster a culture of environmental stewardship by organizing volunteer events such as cleanups
or tree planting initiatives. Encourage employees to take part in local environmental efforts and
make a positive impact in their communities. Consider partnering with environmental
organizations or local government agencies to organize volunteer opportunities and engage
employees in meaningful environmental projects.
So, as we strive to make a difference, let’s do our best to take care of our planet—it has given
us so much—clean air to breathe, fertile soil to grow our food and breathtaking landscapes to
inspire us. Let’s protect it for future generations to come!