The Nigerian Government has called on all stakeholders for collaboration in efforts to combat the detrimental effects of climate change in workplaces. Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Minister of Labour and Employment, emphasized the government’s dedication to overcoming climate change challenges by collaborating with stakeholders from various industries to create forward-thinking solutions and strategies. This information was shared when speaking to stakeholders during a symposium in Abuja, to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2024.
It is crucial to acknowledge the significant influence of climate change on the labor market, and to thoroughly analyse the emerging Occupational Safety and Health concerns worldwide, he emphasized. He went on to stress the pressing importance of addressing the intricate relationship between environmental sustainability and workplace safety. Abubakar said it is crucial to acknowledge the obstacles presented by global warming and the necessity of creating preventative measures to safeguard workers. He reiterated his dedication to spearheading efforts to prioritize the well-being of workers in various work environments.
More than 2.4 billion workers worldwide could be affected.
Abubakar said all focus is on developing Policies and Guidelines that incorporate climate resilience into practices related to Occupational Safety and Health. By implementing specific strategies and involving Stakeholders, our goal is to nurture a proactive safety culture that safeguards the rights and health of all employees. This symposium aims to address some key areas such as: understanding the effects of climate change on workplaces, developing interventions to protect workers’ health and safety, and promoting a culture of effective work ethics among employees.
Furthermore, Abubakar urged all attendees to come together and resonate on the theme for this year’s event: How Climate Change Affects the Health and Safety of Workers, and take immediate action to tackle this issue. The Ensuring Safety and Health in a Changing Climate report from the The International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals a troubling statistic: over 70% of the world’s workers are at risk of encountering workplace dangers due to climate-related factors such as extreme heat, harmful UV rays, and air pollution. This means that more than 2.4 billion workers worldwide could be affected, out of a total global workforce of 3 billion.
Effects of climate change on workers leads health problems.
Dr. Vanessa Phala, the ILO Country Director, stated that the effects of climate change on workers extends far beyond just exposure to excessive heat. She mentioned that various health problems such as cancer, heart disease, lung problems, kidney issues, and mental health disorders have been associated with climate change, highlighting the multitude of risks faced by workers. UV radiation affects over 1.6 billion workers, leading to approximately 18,960 work-related deaths each year due to nonmelanoma skin cancer.
There is a significant number of individuals, totalling 1.6 billion, who are at risk of encountering harmful workplace air pollution. Additionally, more than 870 million agricultural workers are facing potential exposure to pesticides, resulting in over 300,000 deaths each year due to pesticide poisoning. These alarming statistics serve as an urgent wake-up call for everyone, underscoring the critical importance of implementing new methods and tactics to safeguard the workforce. In every corner of the globe, from Nigeria to various regions worldwide, the intertwining impacts of climate change and existing health issues is shaping a multifaceted work environment where unique and flexible solutions are needed to address occupational safety challenges.
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Despite some criticisms, she praised Nigeria for its proactive stance on workplace safety and health. She highlighted the country’s efforts to combat climate change’s effects on workers by ratifying ILO Convention 155 on OSH and Convention 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006. According to her, the ratification of the Conventions showcased Nigeria’s dedication to crucial safety and health matters. She praised the actions taken, emphasizing a strong determination to prioritize the well-being of Nigerian workers.
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