Climate’s effects on work

THIS year’s theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work, “Impact of climate change on occupational safety and health”, couldn’t be more relevant for Malaysia.

The recent, record-breaking storm and flooding in Dubai, a region not typically associated with such weather extremes, serves as a stark reminder that no country is safe from the impacts of climate change.

Climate change is reshaping the landscape of Malaysian workplaces in various ways.

1. Extreme weather: More frequent and intense storms, floods, and landslides disrupt operations, damage infrastructure and endanger workers, especially in vulnerable areas like construction sites and coastal regions.

2. Heat stress: Rising temperatures due to global warming exacerbate heat waves, posing significant health risks to outdoor workers, construction crews, agricultural workers and those in environments without proper air cooling systems.

3. Disrupted supply chains: Extreme weather events can disrupt supply chains, impacting the transport of raw materials, production schedules and, ultimately, the livelihood of workers. This can lead to job insecurity and economic hardship.

4. Spread of disease: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile virus and malaria. This creates health risks for workers and additional burdens on the healthcare system.

The dire situation demands that we take concrete steps to build climate-resilient workplaces and embrace sustainable practices.

This isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s also about ensuring the well-being and safety of every worker in Malaysia.

A 2020 report by the Malaysia Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) shows that Malaysians are highly concerned about pollution, but translating this concern into action requires leadership and a clear plan.

Here’s how I believe the various stakeholders can respond:

1. Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry: It holds a pivotal position in driving forward the research and development of energy-efficient production processes within factories, aimed at significantly reducing carbon footprints. This ministry can also lead initiatives to minimise waste generation, reduce plastic usage, and mitigate air and water pollution.

2. Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH): DOSH has a vital role in enforcing regulations related to climate risks like heat stress and pollution. Strengthening enforcement measures and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations is key to protecting workers and the environment.

3. Industry leaders: Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMES), need to prioritise environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance. Even small steps towards sustainability can make a significant difference. Not only will they protect the environment, but they will also enhance competitiveness in the global market.

4. Employees: Workers play an important role in ensuring their own safety and advocating for change in their workplaces. By staying informed about climate risks and speaking up about safety concerns, they can contribute to creating safer and healthier work environments.

As we observe World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, let’s expand our definition of safety to include safeguarding our environment.