02 May Heat Hazard and Labour Health

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF “Heat Hazard and Labour Health”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “ ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

Why in the News?

The most recent publication from the International Labour Organization (ILO), titled ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,’ highlights the urgent requirement to adapt labor practices to climate change and strengthen global protections for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). It emphasizes the significance of tackling the changing hazards linked with climate change to secure the longevity of the workforce.

More About the Report

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has outlined six significant impacts of climate change: excessive heat, solar ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, workplace air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and agrochemicals. These factors can result in various health issues such as stress, stroke, and exhaustion.
• The ILO specifically identifies agriculture workers, construction sector employees, city conservancy workers, and those in transport and tourism as the most affected by climate change.
• Additionally, the increasing prevalence of gig employment globally, which is particularly vulnerable to heat, is noteworthy. According to a study by Nasscom, gig workers constitute approximately 1.5% of India’s workforce, projected to increase to about 4.5% by 2030. 
• In the Indian context, this suggests that around 80% of the country’s 2023 workforce of 600 million is at risk of heat-related hazards when considering all these sectors collectively.

How does climate change and Heated planet affect labor health?

• Excessive Heat: 

Rising temperatures due to climate change increase the risk of heat-related illnesses among outdoor workers, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and those in industries like landscaping and road maintenance. Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke become more prevalent as temperatures soar, particularly in regions experiencing heat waves. 

• Respiratory issues: Climate change exacerbates air pollution and increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, which release harmful particulate matter and pollutants into the air. This pollution can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among workers exposed to outdoor or indoor pollutants.
• Vector-borne diseases: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns influence the distribution and behavior of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, leading to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus. Workers in agriculture, forestry, and outdoor recreation are at heightened risk of exposure to these diseases as they spend substantial time in environments where vectors thrive.
• Extreme weather events: Climate change is associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, and storms. These events pose direct threats to worker safety and health, causing injuries, fatalities, and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
• Decreased labor productivity and economic disruption: High temperatures can reduce labor productivity due to decreased physical and cognitive performance. Heat stress impairs concentration, coordination, and decision-making abilities, leading to an increase in errors, accidents, and injuries in the workplace. Additionally, extreme heat can disrupt supply chains, transportation systems, and agricultural activities, further impacting economic productivity.

Which sectors are most Affected by excessive warming?

• Agriculture: Farmworkers, agricultural laborers, and farmers are highly susceptible to heat waves due to their prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions. Globally, agriculture stands out as the sector most vulnerable to heat, especially in developing nations. This susceptibility is particularly pronounced due to the prevalence of informal farm laborers who often lack adequate protection from extreme weather conditions.

• • Micro-small and Medium enterprises: After agriculture, India’s extensive Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector comes next, engaging approximately 21% of the nation’s workforce, which amounts to over 123 million employees. The predominant informal nature of this sector has resulted in minimal supervision of working conditions by State Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) departments, rendering workers highly susceptible to heat-related risks.

• Construction: Construction workers face increased risks during heatwaves, as they often work in direct sunlight and perform physically demanding tasks. Exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration, impacting worker safety and productivity on construction sites.The construction sector employs roughly 70 million workers, comprising nearly 12% of India’s total workforce. Workers in this sector face challenges associated with the urban heat island effect, given the predominantly urban nature of construction activities and the ongoing growth of cities.

• Transportation: Workers in the transportation sector, including truck drivers, delivery personnel, and railway workers, may be affected by heatwaves while operating vehicles or working outdoors. High temperatures can pose health risks and safety hazards for workers who spend long hours in non-air-conditioned vehicles or exposed to asphalt surfaces.
• Indoor workers: Although indoor workers may have some protection from direct sunlight, heatwaves can still impact indoor environments, particularly in buildings without adequate ventilation or air conditioning. 

Laws to address workplace safety and heat hazards

• Factories Act, 1948: This legislation mandates that employers are responsible for ensuring that workers are not exposed to extreme temperatures in the workplace. It offers directives on ventilation and temperature regulation to prevent heat-related ailments. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a comfortable thermal environment for workers, particularly those subjected to high heat, such as in iron furnaces at steel plants.
• Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986: This act incorporates measures to shield workers from heat hazards by guaranteeing adequate safety protocols and protective equipment to mitigate risks associated with fire hazards and other workplace perils.
• Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948: Section 13 of this act stipulates that employers must shield their workers from fire hazards by providing an ample supply of extinguishers and appropriate protective gear. The legislation underscores the significance of establishing a secure working environment for employees to avert heat-related injuries and health complications.

Wayforward for India

• Effective  Enforcement of laws: Strengthen existing laws related to occupational safety and health (OSH) to explicitly address heat hazards. Ensure strict enforcement of these regulations, including regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
• Heat Stress Monitoring : Implement systems for monitoring heat stress levels in workplaces, particularly in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Use tools such as wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitoring to assess heat stress conditions accurately. Establish mechanisms for workers to report heat-related issues promptly.
• Strong Building codes: Invest in engineering solutions to mitigate heat exposure in workplaces, such as improved ventilation, shade structures, and cooling measures. Explore innovative technologies, such as personal cooling vests or air-conditioned rest areas, to protect workers from excessive heat.
• Workplace Adaptation and Flexibility: Introduce flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted working hours or shifts, to minimize exposure to peak heat periods. Encourage employers to schedule physically demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day and provide regular rest breaks in shaded areas.
• Access to Water and Rest Facilities: Ensure access to clean drinking water and adequate rest facilities for workers, especially those engaged in outdoor activities. Promote the provision of shaded rest areas and encourage workers to take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool down.
• Design protective gear: Develop specialized clothing designed specifically to protect workers from excessive heat exposure, including breathable fabrics, light colors, loose-fitting clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, and other accessories. Provide proper training to workers on the correct use of this gear.

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 2nd May 2024

Prelims based Question

Q1. Which of the following statements CORRECTLY describes the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

(a) It is a specialized agency of the United Nations focusing on international trade regulations

(b) It is an intergovernmental organization that promotes social justice and internationally recognized labor rights

(c) It is a non-governmental organization advocating for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

(d) It is a multinational corporation dedicated to promoting corporate social responsibility.

ANSWER: B

Mains based Question

Q1.Critically evaluate the role of gig employment in exacerbating the vulnerability of workers to heat-related hazards, as highlighted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) report. Discuss the implications of the projected increase in gig employment for labor protection and climate resilience efforts in India.

Vikas Agarwal