Understanding the ILO Report on Labor and Climate Change

Insights from the ILO report on Labor and climate change

The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes the critical need to climate-proof labor conditions. The report reveals that over one-third of the global population is subjected to excessive heat annually, leading to approximately 23 million work-related injuries each year. It highlights the pressing necessity to address evolving work environments as global temperatures continue to rise.

Key Climate Impacts on Workplaces

According to the ILO, there are six primary climate impact factors that significantly affect workers:

• Excessive heat
• Solar ultraviolet radiation
• Extreme weather events
• Workplace air pollution
• Vector-borne diseases
• Exposure to agrochemicals

These factors can lead to critical health issues such as heat stress, stroke, and exhaustion, negatively impacting overall worker productivity and health.

Sectors Most Affected by Climate Change

The agriculture sector is particularly vulnerable to heat, especially in developing regions where informal workers often lack adequate weather protection. Following agriculture, the MSME sector and construction industry face significant risks from air pollution and the urban heat island effect, which adversely affect worker health and productivity.

Climate Change Effects on Workers in India

In India, around 80% of the workforce is at risk of heat-related hazards, particularly in agriculture, construction, and MSMEs. These risks not only jeopardize health but also lead to a notable decline in labor productivity due to increased illness and the challenges of working in extreme heat conditions.

Legal Framework on Workplace Safety and Climate Change

India has over 13 central laws, including the Factories Act of 1948 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code of 2020, which regulate workplace conditions. Although these laws aim to ensure safety standards, they often fail in enforcement, especially regarding modern needs stemming from climate change.

Addressing heat hazards in Current Laws

Current laws such as the Factories Act define standards for "ventilation and temperature," but they are outdated. They do not incorporate modern solutions like air conditioning, which is becoming essential for ensuring thermal comfort in workplaces.

Necessary Updates for Indian labor laws

There is a pressing need to update Indian labor laws to include contemporary thermal comfort technologies. These updates should consider the specific requirements of different industries based on the latest production practices. For instance, adapting standards for heat exposure according to the intensity of physical labor and integrating technological advancements for climate control are crucial.

Broader Implications of occupational health Hazards

Expanding industries such as mining and construction elevate risks, including silicosis, an incurable lung disease. This not only impacts worker health but also reduces their capacity to work, leading to decreased productivity and higher healthcare costs. Understanding these occupational health hazards is vital for mitigating their impact on labor productivity and worker well-being in the context of climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does the ILO report state regarding climate change and labor?
Answer: The ILO report stresses the urgent need to climate-proof labor conditions, revealing that excessive heat affects over a third of the global workforce, leading to millions of injuries annually.

Q2. How does climate change impact productivity in Indian sectors?
Answer: Climate change notably impacts productivity in sectors like agriculture and construction, where about 80% of the workforce is vulnerable to heat-related hazards, reducing their ability to work effectively.

Q3. What are the primary climate challenges faced by workers?
Answer: Workers face challenges such as excessive heat, extreme weather, air pollution, and exposure to diseases, all of which can lead to serious health issues and decreased productivity.

Q4. How do current Indian laws address climate-related workplace hazards?
Answer: Indian laws like the Factories Act set standards for workplace safety but often fall short in enforcing modern protections needed to combat climate-related hazards effectively.

Q5. What updates are required for labor laws in light of climate change?
Answer: Labor laws must adapt to include modern technologies for heat management and reflect the specific needs of various industries to ensure worker safety in changing climates.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is a significant finding of the ILO report on labor and climate change?
A) Climate change does not affect labor conditions
B) Over one-third of the global workforce is exposed to excessive heat
C) Workers are less productive in cold weather
D) All industries are equally affected by climate change
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which sector is notably vulnerable to climate change in India?
A) IT sector
B) Agriculture
C) Manufacturing
D) Retail
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What health issue is linked to extreme heat exposure?
A) Diabetes
B) Heart disease
C) Heat stress
D) Arthritis
Correct Answer: C