KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian workers will be among 70% of the global labour force exposed to various hazards of hot weather due to climate change, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) vice-chairman Manivanan Gowin said that the dangers of being exposed to hot weather include heat stroke, excessive UV radiation, air pollution, vector-borne diseases and agrochemicals.
He said ILO also expects up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers every year.
“The deaths are caused by health problems expected to increase due to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, kidney failure, and mental health-related problems,” he said in a statement.
He added that the ILO report has shown that climate change is already having a serious impact on the 2.4 billion workers that are exposed to hot weather.
These people represent more than 70% of the total of 3.4 billion workers worldwide.
Based on the ILO’s report titled Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate, Manivanan outlined the major impacts of climate change on workers.
He said more than 1.6 billion workers are exposed to UV rays. This results in 18,960 non-melanoma skin cancer deaths each year.
Additionally, as many as 1.6 billion workers are exposed to air pollution at work, which causes up to 860,000 deaths among outdoor workers each year, he added.
He also said that more than 870 million workers in the agriculture industry are exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 deaths expected each year, while 15,000 deaths are related to exposure to vector-borne diseases and parasites.
Manivanan also said that all parties must come together to help assist with the rising climate change issue and alleviate the risks faced by workers.
“In conjunction with the celebration of World Occupational Safety and Health Day 2024, NIOSH once again calls on all parties to jointly carry out their responsibilities to improve the level of safety, health, and welfare of workers throughout the country.
“This aligns with the aspirations of the Madani government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim — to tackle and reduce the frequency of workplace accidents, fatalities, and illnesses under the KKP Master Plan 2021-2025,” he said. – April 28, 2024