Climate change

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    World on brink of ‘irreversible climate disaster’, scientists warn

    The world is on the brink of an “irreversible climate disaster” with many of the planet’s “vital signs” having reached record extremes, scientists have warned in an alarming new report which says that even in the most optimistic scenario, large-scale climate adaptation efforts will be needed.

    By Kerry Reals on 09 October 2024

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    Global warming at work: why you need to protect your employees

    With the UK predicted to be facing an increase in the frequency of heatwaves and rising average temperatures, it is essential employers begin taking steps now to protect workers from the risk of heat-related accidents and illness.

    By Liz Longman, Virtual College by Netex on 29 July 2024

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    Too hot to work? TUC calls for legal maximum UK working temperature

    As UK temperatures in June soared to their highest level this year and yellow heat health alerts were issued across much of the country, the TUC has warned of the dangers of hot workplaces and called for the introduction of a legal maximum temperature at work.

    By Kerry Reals on 25 June 2024

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    How to keep workers safe in an increasingly hot United Kingdom

    The world is getting hotter, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more severe. Recent projections say 2024 is set to be the warmest year yet. As the summer of 2022 demonstrated, despite its reputation for cold and rain, the UK is not immune from these bouts of extremely hot weather.

    By Dr Radhika Khosla, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment on 07 June 2024

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    Climate change and worker safety and health: the time to act is now

    Climate change is changing everything. It is already posing a serious threat to the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world. Workers across different sectors are exposed to climate change-related hazards, with outdoor workers at particular risk as they carry out heavy labour in hot climates.

    By Halshka Graczyk, Lacye Groening, Andreas Hoibl & Wafaa Alzaanin, International Labour Organization (ILO) on 07 June 2024

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    Turning the dial on climate change adaptation

    Public and private sector organisations should be taking action to adapt to current and future impacts of extreme weather changes caused by climate change, and an IEMA toolkit provides practical advice on getting started.

    By Chloë Fiddy, IEMA on 04 June 2024

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    Bracing for impact: businesses urged to prepare for effects of climate change

    Climate change is already affecting businesses around the world and will continue to hit bottom lines, disrupt supply chains, and impact workers’ health and wellbeing for decades to come – even if global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are successful. It is vital, therefore, that companies prioritise climate change adaptation measures alongside their mitigation strategies.

    By Kerry Reals on 30 May 2024

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    Singapore Airlines incident shows turbulence is ‘serious workplace safety issue’ that climate change could exacerbate

    Two Singapore Airlines cabin crew members and dozens of passengers remain in hospital in Bangkok after a flight from London Heathrow to Singapore hit severe turbulence over Myanmar on 20 May, resulting in one onboard fatality.

    By Kerry Reals on 22 May 2024

    ILO Climate Change Report Manal Azzi

    Climate change could expose 70 per cent of workers to health risks, warns UN

    More than 70 per cent of the global workforce could be exposed to serious health hazards because of climate change, and existing occupational health and safety legislation may not be sufficient to protect workers, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    By Kerry Reals on 22 April 2024

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    Employers must act now to protect workers from effects of climate change, as 1.5C threshold breached

    Employers must urgently consider how climate change will affect their businesses and how they will protect the health and wellbeing of their workforces as global temperatures continue to rise, the British Safety Council’s director of education and membership, Dr Julie Riggs, has urged.

    By Kerry Reals on 08 February 2024