Yesterday, April 28th was World Day for Safety and Health at Work Day, which was started in 2003 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This is a day for promoting a culture of health and safety in all workplaces and reducing the amount of injuries and deaths that can occur at work. This year’s theme is the impact of climate change on occupational safety and health.

Changes in weather patterns have resulted in more extreme weather events including excessive heat and cold as well as UV radiation, wildfires, floods, exposure to chemicals and an increase in vector-borne diseases. See our guidance here on working in cold weather and in hot temperatures.

Working in hot temperatures is a significant health and safety risk.

Workers at particular risk from climate change include:

  • Outdoor workers in physically demanding roles, e.g. construction, transportation and agriculture
  • Indoor workers in hot and poorly ventilated areas
  • Public service or healthcare workers e.g. paramedics, and other emergency services
  • Pregnant women, children, older adults and people with disabilities

The Importance of Health and Safety at Work

Health and safety in the workplace can prevent injury and even death.

Some businesses view health and safety as an expensive hindrance and box-ticking exercise, but strict adherence to safety regulations in the workplace is essential and can mean the difference between life and death.

Here are some statistics from the 2023 report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that reinforce the importance of health and safety at work:

  • 135 workers were killed at work
  • 1.8 million working people suffer from a work-related illness, of which:
        a.)875,000 were suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety
    b.)     473,000 were suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
  • There were 2,268 mesothelioma deaths relating to past asbestos exposures
  • 561,000 injuries occurred at work according to the Labour Force Survey
  • 60,645 employee injuries were reported under RIDDOR
  • 32.5 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
  • £20.7 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions in 2019-2020

These facts and figures are a shocking reminder of the importance of health and safety in the workplace, and why days like this are required to raise awareness of this issue. 

Here at Optimum, we are ready to help you improve the health and safety of your business, from providing consultancy and conducting assessments to face-to-face training and online eLearning for your team. See our full range of services here and for more information or to have a chat with us, get in touch here.