Climate Change Impacts on Work

Climate change (noun)

A long-term shift in weather conditions measured by changes in temperature, precipitation, wind, snow cover, and other indicators.

Climate change impacts workplaces and workers across all types of industries, but by anticipating and planning for impacts, workplaces will be more prepared.

• Operational disruptions
• Process safety changes
• Illnesses or injuries, heat stress, and hypothermia
• Spread of infectious diseases
• Increased stress and anxiety

Did you know?

Because of its northerly location, Canada experiences climate change at 2x the rate of the world’s average.

--Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy; A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

Worried about climate change? Feeling like you can’t make a difference? It might be eco-anxiety.

Know how to spot the signs: depression, insomnia, hopelessness, and panic attacks, or feelings of loss, helplessness, frustration, or fatigue.

Identify hazards

• Assess existing and anticipated hazards through a climate change lens
• Engage your health and safety committee for recommendations on control measures

Create a hazard control plan

• Define extreme working conditions to help with recognition and awareness
• Outline how your workplace will respond to climate events
  • Example: warming shelters or isolating workers from extreme conditions
• Define who’s responsible for safety initiatives

Address the stress

• Acknowledge climate-related concerns, and discuss how both the workplace and individuals can take action
• Create an environment where employees can voice their concerns
• Share hope when you see it, like an encouraging news story or initiative
• Direct workers to mental health resources when they need it

Consider community

• In an emergency, can you collaborate with local government and emergency services to provide services or resources?
• What risks to public infrastructure will affect your workplace and your workers?