[Digest] The effects of extreme weather conditions on workers’ health and safety

The presentation took place on 10 November within the meeting of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

It focused on the main findings of the study on The effects of extreme weather conditions on workers’ health and safety, and especially on:

• The risks that extreme weather events and temperatures pose to outdoor but also indoor workers. It also explored the unequal exposure of sectors such as agriculture, construction and emergency services, and different categories of workers like those more vulnerable (migrant, precarious or low-income workers).
• The reasons for treating heat as a priority occupational safety and health (OSH) risk.
• The gaps in existing data, including the limited recording of weather as a cause of accidents and diseases.
• The EU and national policy frameworks, including the four types of national systems identified, and the remaining policy gaps.

The presentation included the discussion of a set of recommendations for further action, notably on improving the evidence base, supporting enforcement and guidance, strengthening protection for vulnerable workers, promoting social dialogue and dedicating EU-level action to occupational heat. It was followed by questions from the Members and by the presentation by rapporteur of the draft own initiative report on The effect of extreme temperatures in the workplace on workers’ health and safety that the EMPL committee is currently working on.