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The new guidance outlines how governments and employers can manage rising workplace risks from heat, floods and climate-related hazards, with over 2.4bn workers already exposed worldwide.
Tripartite experts representing governments, employers, and workers have agreed on a set of measures aimed at protecting workers and enterprises from weather-related risks, as climate-linked hazards increasingly impact workplaces across sectors.
Adopted on 24 April following five days of negotiations at the International Labour Organization (ILO), the conclusions mark the first global agreement focused on occupational safety and health (OSH) in extreme weather and changing weather patterns.
The conclusions set out guidance for strengthening both national frameworks and workplace-level measures, in response to what the ILO describes as a rapidly evolving challenge for the world of work.
Globally, more than 2.4bn workers are exposed to excessive heat alone, accounting for over 70% of the working population. In addition to heat, workers face OSH risks from extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, wildfires, tropical cyclones, as well as sand and dust storms. Longer-term shifts in temperatures and weather conditions further increase risks through cumulative and prolonged exposure.
Joaquim Pintado Nunes, Branch Chief, Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment (OSHE) Branch, said: “The adoption of these conclusions sends a clear signal that the world of work is taking OSH impacts of extreme weather seriously. The next step is turning this guidance into action at the national and workplace level.”
Strengthening national OSH frameworks
At the national level, the conclusions call for the development and strengthening of evidence-based policies to better manage weather-related OSH risks.
This includes establishing thresholds where applicable such as:
- occupational exposure limits,
- establishing or strengthening occupational health surveillance systems, and
- improving coordination across relevant institutions.
These comprises of labour, public health, meteorological, environmental, infrastructure, and disaster management bodies.
Focus on workplace risk management and preparedness
At the workplace level, the guidance emphasises practical measures centred on risk assessment, prevention, and preparedness.
Measures include conducting documented, gender-responsive risk assessments, alongside identifying and implementing appropriate preventive and control measures. Employers are also advised to establish, regularly review, and maintain emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans and procedures.
The guidance further emphasises the need for consultation and active participation of workers and their representatives in all OSH aspects related to extreme weather events and changing weather patterns.
Next steps
The conclusions will be submitted to the ILO’s Governing Body in November 2026 for approval.
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Lead image / ILO
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