Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Economy;
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Labour rights
– Climate Change impact on Economy
– ILO
Context
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released its latest report, ‘Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate’, highlighting the urgent need to climate-proof labor
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 2nd May 2024
Analysing labour on a warming planet
The link between labour productivity, human health and climate change gets scant attention, as the focus remains on economic and infrastructure resilience. The International Labour Organization’s latest report points to the need to ensure that labour becomes climate proofed.
Sectors Most Affected by Climate Change
- Agriculture:
- Globally, agriculture is the most heat-susceptible sector, affecting millions of informal farm laborers, particularly in developing countries.
- In India, nearly 90% of farmers own less than two hectares of land, with average monthly incomes ranging from ₹4,895 to ₹10,000, making it challenging for them to adapt to climate change.
- According to NSSO data (July 2018-June 2019), the majority of Indian farmers work with minimal weather protection, exposing them to heat-related hazards.
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs):
- India’s MSME sector employs over 123 million workers, constituting about 21% of the country’s workforce.
- The sector is characterized by overwhelming informalization, leading to little to no oversight of worker conditions by State Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) departments.
- Lack of regulation leaves MSME workers highly vulnerable to heat-related hazards.
- Building and Construction:
- Construction workers, numbering around 70 million in India, face physical injuries and health hazards due to air pollution, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.
- Many Indian cities rank among the most polluted globally, increasing the health risks for construction workers.
- Rapid urbanization and growth in the construction sector further amplify the challenges faced by workers in coping with climate change impacts.
Indian Laws to protect worker rights
- Central Laws:
- The Factories Act, the Workmen Compensation Act, and the Building and Other Construction Workers Act are central to ensuring workplace safety in India.
- These laws address various aspects of labor rights and well-being, including factory conditions and compensation for work-related injuries.
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020):
- Introduced in 2020, the OSH Code represents a comprehensive measure aimed at consolidating and amending existing laws related to workplace safety.
- The OSH Code seeks to streamline and enhance the legal framework governing occupational safety and health in India.
- By unifying disparate regulations under a single code, it aims to provide a more cohesive and efficient system for ensuring workplace safety across different sectors and industries.
- State Laws in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra:
- Tamil Nadu:
- Tamil Nadu framed its rules under the Factories Act in 1950.
- Regulations mention a maximum wet bulb temperature of 30°C on shop floors, with provisions for adequate air movement.
- Rules lack specific breakdowns of thermal comfort based on activity levels or provisions for air conditioning, reflecting outdated standards.
- Maharashtra:
- Maharashtra framed its rules under the Factories Act in 1963.
- Similar to Tamil Nadu, regulations specify maximum wet bulb temperatures and adequate air movement requirements.
- However, these rules also lack detailed provisions for modern cooling alternatives or thermal comfort adjustments based on evolving production processes.
- Tamil Nadu:
Challenges in Dealing with Heat Hazards
- Lack of Specificity in Regulations:
- Existing regulations lack detailed guidelines regarding thermal comfort and air conditioning in workplaces.
- Regulations need to be updated to address modern cooling technologies and ensure worker comfort and safety.
- Impact of Gig Economy:
- The growing gig economy in India contributes to increased susceptibility of workers to heat-related hazards.
- Gig workers, constituting a significant portion of the workforce, often lack protections and support against extreme heat conditions.
- Pressure on Unions:
- Management and bureaucratic pressures on labour unions often prioritize industry interests over worker welfare.
- This dynamic can lead to neglect of worker safety concerns related to heat hazards and other climate-related risks.
- Handling of Effluents and Byproducts:
- Disposal of effluents and byproducts poses health risks, particularly with temperature changes.
- Silicosis in Mines and Quarries:
- Rising cases of silicosis due to silica exposure in mines and quarries present a significant occupational health concern.
- Vacancies in Labor Inspection Departments:
- Vacancies and lack of competence in labour inspection departments hamper effective oversight of workplace safety.
Solutions to Address Heat Hazards and Other Climate-Related Risks
- Update Regulatory Frameworks:
- Revise existing regulations to include specific guidelines for thermal comfort and air conditioning in workplaces.
- Incorporate technological advancements and modern cooling technologies to ensure worker safety and comfort.
- Empower Labor Unions:
- Strengthen labor unions and provide them with support to advocate for worker welfare and safety.
- Encourage collaboration between unions, management, and government bodies to address heat hazards effectively.
- Enhance Labor Inspection Mechanisms:
- Increase staffing and training in labor inspection departments to improve oversight of workplace safety.
- Implement regular inspections and stringent enforcement of safety regulations to protect workers from climate-related risks.
- Invest in Research and Development:
- Allocate resources for research and development initiatives focused on climate adaptation strategies for different industries.
- Support studies to assess the effectiveness of interventions and technologies in mitigating heat hazards and other climate-related risks.
- Raise Awareness and Education:
- Conduct awareness campaigns to educate workers, employers, and the general public about the health risks associated with climate change.
- Provide training programs on heat stress management and preventive measures to enhance resilience in vulnerable sectors.
Case Study – Brazil – ILO report
Brazil has regulations to stop work in case of extreme heat. It explores the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) limits set for different work intensities and analyzes the implications for worker safety and productivity.
Policy
Brazil mandates employers to stop work when WBGT exceeds specific thresholds based on work intensity:
- Low intensity work: Stoppage at 29.4°C or above.
- Moderate intensity work: Stoppage at 27.3°C or above.
- High intensity work: Stoppage at 26.0°C or above.
- Very high intensity work: Stoppage at 24.7°C or above.
Benefits
- Worker Safety: This policy prioritizes worker safety by preventing heat stress and related illnesses like heatstroke.
- Improved Productivity: By ensuring workers take breaks during extreme heat, this policy can potentially improve productivity in the long run, as workers avoid exhaustion and dehydration.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, ensuring safety and health at work is paramount. The ILO report underscores the need for a universally accepted regulatory framework to climate-proof work and protect workers. It calls for collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and workers to address emerging hazards and prioritize worker well-being in a changing climate.
Related Topics
The International Labour Organisation
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the United Nations agency for the world of work.
- Mandate:Its mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
- Motto:ILO’s mandate as the basis for peace is expressed today as Decent Work for all.
- HQ:Geneva, Switzerland.
- Parent organization:Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
- It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDP), a coalition of UN organization aimed at helping meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
- History:It was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice. In 1946, the ILO became a specialized agency of the newly formed United Nations.
- Members:The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
- Structure:It is the only tripartite U.N. agency, that brings together governments, employers and workers’ representatives of 187-member States.
References:
Related PYQ
Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?[ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2017]
Practice Question
Discuss the emerging hazards and challenges posed by climate change on workplace safety, highlighting the need for measures to protect workers’ health and well-being. [250 words]