Climate change and worker’s compensation

How does climate change affect workers?

Climate change significantly impacts workers' health and safety, leading to an increased risk of injury due to various environmental hazards and it can even cause people to lose their jobs. Working hours are beginning to be lost due to climate change, specifically through high temperatures and by 2030 3.8% of working hours may be lost as a result. This is the same as 136 million full-time jobs. Other ways that climate change affects workers include:

• poor air quality
• disease-carrying pests,
• flooding
• wildfires
• water-related accidents
• sun related danger
• environmental accidents

If not weather hazards are not managed correctly, climate change can cause work injuries through:

• work-related ill health such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion
• respiratory illnesses such as hay fever and asthma
• physical and mental health impacts 
• dangerous diseases such as infections from mosquitoes
• exposure to toxic chemicals such as due to pesticide-related impacts
• heart problems
• breathing problems
• fainting and falling
• dehydration

How does climate change cause injuries?

Climate change presents key issues that, if exposed to, can cause injuries to workers. Excessive temperatures can cause agricultural workers to get cardiovascular disease or kidney injuries; UV radiation caused by climate change can cause outdoor workers to suffer from sunburn and skin blistering injuries; extreme weather events can drastically increase risk to off-shore and fishing workers; and workplace air pollution can also cause internal injuries such as lung cancer or respiratory diseases.

What industry had the highest number of fatal occupational injuries?

The construction industry had the highest number of fatal occupational injuries. Between 2022 and 2023, 45 workers were killed while at work in this industry. In the Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry, 21 people lost their lives over this period. Out of all the fatal work injuries from 2022-2023, about a quarter were of those aged 60 or over.

How does climate change impact a worker's overall health?

Below we look at the evolving risks from climate change, resulting in worker injuries and poor health. 

Excessive Heat

Excessive heat poses significant risks to outdoor workers' health, particularly in sectors like tourism and waste collection. Workers exposed to high temperatures are at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat rash, and heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure can escalate to severe conditions like heatstroke and cardiovascular diseases, which can be life-threatening without prompt intervention.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a critical health hazard for outdoor workers, especially those in construction and agriculture. Continuous exposure to UV rays can lead to acute conditions like sunburn and eye damage, including photokeratitis. Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, and can also contribute to cataract formation, impairing vision.

Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events, including storms, floods, and hurricanes, severely impact the health and safety of outdoor workers, such as those in construction, agriculture, and emergency response. These events can lead to injuries, physical trauma, and mental health issues such as stress and anxiety. Workers may also face increased risks of infectious diseases and disruptions in their work routines, leading to economic instability.

Workplace Air Pollution

Climate change exacerbates workplace air pollution, affecting all workers, particularly those in outdoor and industrial settings. Pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and chemicals can cause respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure can also lead to cardiovascular problems and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, reducing overall worker productivity and quality of life.

Vector-borne Diseases

Climate change enhances the spread of vector-borne diseases, posing a significant health risk to outdoor workers like painters, roofers, and landscapers. Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns expand the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, leading to higher incidences of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. These diseases can cause severe health issues, ranging from flu-like symptoms to long-term neurological damage.

Agrochemicals

Agrochemicals, used extensively in agriculture, pose serious health risks to farmworkers. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides can lead to acute poisoning, characterised by symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Chronic exposure can result in more severe health effects, including immune suppression, hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risk. Proper handling and protective measures are essential to mitigate these risks.

What work injury compensation could I claim?

If you have suffered a climate-related work injury, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation, especially if your employer could have prevented the accident but did not. Compensation is categorised based on the injured body area, as this affects the amount you can claim. Workplace injuries can significantly impact your life, affecting your ability to work, earn money, and enjoy personal activities. It is crucial to claim the compensation you deserve to mitigate these effects.

At National Accident Helpline, our supportive claims process ensures you receive the help you need. Most claims are settled out of court, and it is illegal for your employer to fire you for making a claim. 

How much could I claim? 

When you make a personal injury claim, including an accident at work claim, the compensation amount depends on various factors. Your claim will typically consist of general damages and special damages. General damages compensate for the injury itself, addressing your pain, suffering, and the impact on your quality of life. Special damages cover financial losses and expenses incurred due to the injury. These can include:

• Loss of earnings: Compensation for wages lost during your recovery period.
• Cost of care and treatment: Expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any necessary personal care.
• Cost of transport: Reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical appointments and treatments.

To get an estimate of your potential compensation, you can use our compensation calculator.

If you've suffered from poor working conditions resulting in an injury in the last 3 years, give us a call on or request a callback and we'll be able to help you start your claim. Or, simply start your claim online today.