A landmark international agreement has been reached to better protect workers from the growing risks posed by climate change, marking the first time the issue has been formally addressed as a workplace safety priority.

The conclusions were adopted in Geneva under the auspices of the International Labor Organization (ILO), following a meeting of experts held between April 20 and 24. Representatives of governments, employers and workers agreed on a common framework to tackle the impact of extreme weather and shifting climate conditions on occupational health and safety.

Climate change as a workplace risk

The agreement reflects a major shift in how climate change is perceived—no longer solely an environmental concern, but a direct and growing threat to workers’ health, business continuity and economic stability.

According to the ILO, more than 2.4 billion workers worldwide—over 70% of the global workforce—are exposed to excessive heat. However, experts stress that the risks go far beyond heatwaves, including floods, wildfires, droughts, poor air quality and even the spread of disease-carrying insects.

Concrete measures and obligations

Unlike previous discussions, the new framework outlines specific actions for countries and employers. These include strengthening national labor safety laws, setting exposure limits for hazards such as heat and air pollution, and improving systems for monitoring worker health and recording occupational illnesses.

The agreement also calls for better coordination between labor authorities, public health services, meteorological agencies and civil protection bodies.

At the workplace level, employers are encouraged to carry out risk assessments and implement preventive measures. These may include providing shaded or cooled rest areas, ensuring access to water, adjusting work schedules, increasing breaks, and offering training and emergency preparedness plans.

Importantly, the framework also highlights the need for early warning systems and stronger labor inspections, as well as compensation mechanisms for workers affected by climate-related illnesses or injuries.

A growing challenge for economies

The new measures underline the broader economic implications of climate change, particularly for sectors already exposed to extreme conditions such as construction, agriculture, tourism, transport and industry.

Experts emphasize that effective protection requires long-term, science-based policies rather than temporary responses during extreme events.