KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 – As World Day for Safety and Health at Work approaches on 28 April, International SOS is calling on organisations to reassess their occupational safety and health (OSH) programmes in response to the escalating impacts of climate change. With climate-related health hazards affecting over 70% of the global workforce, proactive solutions are imperative to safeguarding employee wellbeing and productivity.
Dr Olivier Lo, Global Medical Director, Occupational Health Services at International SOS, highlighted the pressing need for heightened risk management in the face of climate-related threats. He emphasized the alarming increase in climate-related medical alerts observed by International SOS, underscoring the urgency for organisations to acknowledge and address the combined impact of climate change and existing OSH challenges.
In addition to physical safety concerns, Dr Lo emphasized the overlooked impact of climate change on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in the workforce. International SOS advocates for a holistic approach to workforce wellbeing, encompassing mental health support, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare measures. By integrating climate considerations into health and safety programmes, organisations can create positive work environments and foster a more resilient workforce prepared to navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
