New global guidance to shield workers from extreme weather

Key measures to strengthen OSH policies at the workplace level include gender-responsive, documented risk assessments, and the determination of preventive and control measures; establishing, reviewing, and maintaining emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans and procedures.  

The measures also seek to ensure the consultation and participation of workers and their representatives in all OSH aspects related to extreme weather events and changing weather patterns.  

At the national level, the key measures to improve the framework include gender-responsive, documented risk assessments, and the determination of preventive and control measures; establishing, reviewing, and maintaining emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans and procedures, and ensuring the consultation and participation of workers and their representatives in all OSH aspects related to extreme weather events and changing weather patterns.  

“The adoption of these conclusions sends a clear signal that the world of work is taking OSH impacts of extreme weather seriously,” said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, Branch Chief of the Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment (OSHE) Branch, in a statement.  

“The next step is turning this guidance into action at the national and workplace level.”