Conference Agenda

Climate change presents a growing set of challenges for occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals, from increased heat exposure to more frequent extreme weather events. While the topic remains politically and socially divisive, for the OSH community it represents a clear and evolving risk management issue. The focus must therefore shift from debate to action, reframing climate change as a practical determinant of workplace safety. Recent work in the area by IOSH, RAND Europe, and Lloyds Register Foundation,demonstrates a deepening understanding of how climate change affects workers’ health, wellbeing, and productivity. However, evidence on solutions and interventions remains limited and fragmented. Strengthening this evidence base is essential to move from diagnosis to effective prevention and adaptation. The session will explore how existing OSH principles and tools—such as administrative and engineering controls—can be adapted to mitigate climate-related risks. It will also consider the importance of cross-sector collaboration, recognising that effective responses require coordinated action beyond the traditional OSH sphere.Finally, the discussion will focus on next steps: developing ambitious yet practical policy responses, promoting research that produces actionable guidance, and building global capacity for monitoring and evaluation. By integrating climate change into mainstream OSH strategies, the profession can play a central role in safeguarding workers in a rapidly changing world.