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Climate Change Heats Up Workforce Safety and Health Concerns: International SOS Calls for Action

Apr 29, 2024 by Sujata Muguda 0 Comments #Climate Change, #Dr Olivier Lo, #Dr Vikram Vora, #Global Medical Director, #Indian Subcontinent, #International SOS, #Medical Director, #mental health and wellbeing, #Occupational Health Services, #occupational safety and health (OSH), #risk assessments, #The International Labour Organization (ILO), #worker health and safety:, #Workforce Safety and Health Concerns, #World Day for Safety and Health at Work

National, 29th April 2024 – In light of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April, the International SOS encourages organizations to reassess their occupational safety and health (OSH) programmes. Climate change is intensifying existing OSH challenges, and organizations must prioritize proactive solutions. This year’s theme, “Impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health,” highlights the urgency of this evolving threat.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) latest report estimates that over 70% of the global workforce faces potential exposure to climate-related health hazards.1 These hazards include extreme heat stress, worsening air quality, and more frequent and severe weather events. Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a decline in growth in labour productivity due to climate change impacts.2 By 2030, the equivalent of more than 2% of total working hours worldwide is projected to be lost annually, as a result of extreme temperatures, leading to unsafe working conditions or a decrease in worker output.3

Dr Olivier Lo, Global Medical Director, Occupational Health Services, at International SOS “The escalating threats of climate change necessitate a heightened focus on managing risk exposure and health incidents for the workforce. At International SOS, we saw an 80% increase in climate-related medical alerts throughout the majority of 2023 compared to 2022. This concerning trend is further highlighted by the International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report, with four of the top five health risks identified by respondents being related to climate or weather factors.4 With climate change adding urgency, it is crucial for organizations to acknowledge its combined impact with existing OSH threats. This is key to effectively safeguard workforce safety, and health and manage productivity.”

The traditional focus of occupational health and safety on physical safety, accident prevention, and maintaining a sustainable work environment has overlooked a critical factor, the impact of climate change on workforce wellbeing. Extreme weather events and climate-related disasters pose a growing threat to mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. These events can trigger a range of emotional responses, including distress, anxiety, depression, grief, and even suicidal behaviour. 5

Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director – Indian Subcontinent adds “With Southeast Asia bearing the brunt of an unprecedented heat wave this year, it is essential for organizations to go beyond mere compliance and redesigning their workforce health and wellbeing programs to include the capability to respond to health threats posed by climate change. Regular assessments and adaptations are key to ensuring workforce safety in this evolving landscape. By proactively managing emerging occupational health and safety risks, organizations can not only create positive work environments but also contribute to a more sustainable future. This includes mental and emotional wellbeing support, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare.”

To ensure workforce safety, health and well-being in the face of a changing climate, International SOS encourages organisations to consider the following:

1. Conduct regular risk assessments: Incorporate climate-specific hazards and factor in rising temperatures, extreme weather events and changing air quality. Identify vulnerable workforce profiles and locations most at risk from climate impacts.

2. Prioritise worker health and safety: Integrate climate considerations into existing health and safety programmes. Promote heat stress awareness and prevention measures like hydration protocols and rest breaks.

3. Provide mental health and wellbeing support: Develop resources and training to help employees cope with the psychological impact of extreme weather events or environmental disasters. Offer access to mental health professionals to address potential anxiety or stress related to climate events.

4. Climate-ready training programmes: Equip the workforce with knowledge and skills to work safely in a changing environment. Provide training on emergency preparedness and safe work practices during extreme weather events like floods or wildfires.

5. Robust incident response protocols: Develop clear and well-communicated protocols for responding to heat-related illnesses, accidents during extreme weather, and other climate-related incidents. Implement a system for continuous improvement by reviewing incidents and updating protocols as needed.

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Health, News

Ground-breaking global study unveils the Mental health minefield of the remote rotational workforce

May 3, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #Dr Rachel Lewis, #Dr Rahul Kalia, #India, #International SOS, #Medical Director, #mental health and wellbeing

Mumbai– Whether on or offshore, the work and lifestyle of a remote rotational worker is unique. While lucrative for some, it has long been associated with a high impact on mental health and wellbeing. A groundbreaking global report from the International SOS Foundation and Affinity Health at Work, ‘Mental Health and the Remote Rotational Workforce’,provides in depth insight into the psychological impacts of this unique mode of working. Thenew study highlights evidence of the high level of suicidal thoughts, clinical depression, impacts on physical health (such as diet) and the impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic on this workforce.

Dr Rahul Kalia, Medical Director, India, International SOS, commented,“Workers in demanding work profiles such as remote rotational jobs need to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. While physical health receives wide visibility, there is an urgent need for increased focus, understanding and strategies to identify and mitigate prevailing mental health issues in order to promote better metal health of the remote rotational workforce. This is highlighted in our survey, which uncovers significantly high levels of critical mental ill health issues, including suicidal thoughts and depression.The COVID-19 environment has also added increased stress on this already pressured working arrangement.”

Key study findings:

• 40% of all respondents experienced suicidal thoughts on rotation some or all the time(compared to average of 4-9%). 1 in 5 are feeling suicidal all or most of the time.
• 29% met the benchmark for clinical depression whilst on-rotation.
• 52% reported a decline in mood, and their mental health suffered whilst on rotation.
• 62% had worse mental health than would be the norm in a population.While off rotation, thisremains at a high of 31% experiencinglower mental health than the general population.

Burn Out

The study also exposed that almost a quarter (23%) of the remote rotational workers surveyed experienced emotional exhaustion on a weekly basis. 46% experienced higher stress levels while on rotation and over half (57%) were not engaged in their work. 23% reported that they received no psychological support from their employers.

Dr Rachel Lewis commented, “We would expect burn out to be between 2-13% in the general population, so the almost quarter that we see from the survey is particularly high. Burn out can have a serious impact both personally and professionally, on the ability of an individualto carry out their role. Remote rotational work may come with the perks of higher pay, but with its propensity to be isolating at the best of times. On and offshore, working pressures and varying shift patterns also add their weight. And this is not to mention the impact of the current pandemic,which has seen may remote workers unexpectedly away from family and friend networks for longer than anticipated.”

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

• 65% experienced increased job demands.
• 56% increased working hours stress, anxiety
• 49% concerned for personal safety (before pandemic?)
• 1/3 became increasingly lonely
• 23% had more negative physical symptoms (such as headaches and stomach issues)

The Tip of the Iceberg

Dr Rahul Kalia continues, “Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked. Organisations and individuals with a Duty of Care to their remote rotational workers should have visibility and a plan of support for their workforce encompassing both.”

• Over a third exercised less (35%)
• 38% experienced worse-quality sleep (38%)
• Over a quarter (28%) were less able to eat a nutritious diet whilst working

On the flipside, the majority of respondents felt that their health and safety was prioritised. They report a strong sense of community and support among co-workers and from managers. Many also felt that they could share their mental health concerns with colleagues.