The following article summarizes a landmark agreement by global experts from governments, employers, and workers who crafted the first universal set of occupational safety and health (OSH) measures focused on extreme weather and evolving climate patterns.
Adopted on 24 April after five days of negotiations at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the conclusions guide how workplaces and economies can shield people and operations from climate-linked hazards.
With more than 2.4 billion workers exposed to excessive heat alone—representing well over 70% of the world’s workforce—this framework emphasizes evidence-based policy, practical risk management, and active worker participation as climate risks intensify.
Global framework for OSH in extreme weather
The tripartite agreement signals a major step toward a coherent, international approach to protecting workers as weather patterns shift.
It covers not only heat stress but also a spectrum of hazards such as floods, droughts, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and sand and dust storms, including the longer-term cumulative exposures that accumulate over time.
The overarching aim is to help governments, employers, and workers anticipate, prevent, and respond to climate-related risks in a coordinated manner.
Key national-level actions
At the national level, the guidance calls for stronger, evidence-based policies and better monitoring to safeguard workers.
The core recommendations include:
- Establish occupational exposure limits and health surveillance systems where applicable to track and mitigate risks.
- Strengthen the evidence base for policy decisions through data collection, research, and transparent reporting on climate-related OSH hazards.
- Improve cross‑sector coordination by aligning labour, public health, meteorology, environmental protection, infrastructure planning, and disaster management institutions.
- Adopt gender-responsive policies to ensure risk assessments and protection measures address the different ways climate hazards affect workers of all genders.
Workplace measures and worker participation
Within enterprises, the guidance stresses that risk assessments must be documented and gender-responsive.
Preventive controls should be tailored to local conditions and worker needs.
The recommendations emphasize proactive planning and inclusive decision-making:
- Develop, regularly review, and maintain emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans tailored to climate hazards faced by each workplace.
- Implement appropriate preventive and control measures to reduce heat exposure, indoor and outdoor hazards, and hazards arising from extreme weather events.
- Ensure active consultation and participation of workers and their representatives in all OSH matters related to extreme weather, from assessment to implementation.
Implementation path and next steps
While the conclusions provide a comprehensive framework, the real test lies in translating guidance into concrete actions at the national and workplace levels.
The ILO will present the conclusions to its Governing Body in November 2026 for formal approval. After this, member states and social partners will be encouraged to adopt and adapt the measures domestically.
The next challenge is operational: turning principles into policies, programs, and everyday practices that keep workers safe as climate risks intensify.
For organizations, this framework offers a clear roadmap to enhance resilience.
Integrated OSH strategies that combine heat management, weather warnings, protective equipment, rest and hydration protocols, and emergency response coordination can reduce injuries and support sustainable operations in a warming world.
Active worker participation is a practical driver of safer, more adaptive workplaces.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme weather at work: ILO tripartite experts set global OSH measures to protect workers and businesses