The Irish union Unite has proposed a series of measures aimed at protecting workers from the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions, particularly as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such events. The union is seeking to meet with Enterprise Minister Peter Burke to discuss these proposals, which include introducing a statutory maximum working temperature and offering paid “climate leave” for workers affected by hazardous weather or domestic needs arising from extreme weather incidents.

Unite’s proposals call for setting a maximum working temperature that varies according to the type of work and the working environment. Specifically, the union recommends an action level of 24C, at which point employers should implement heat-management controls or systems. Furthermore, it advocates for an absolute maximum temperature limit of 30C—or 27C for strenuous jobs—beyond which work should cease if engineering controls cannot sufficiently reduce the heat risk.

The union also seeks mandatory risk assessments during extreme weather events and the suspension of all routine outdoor work during orange weather alerts. During red weather alerts, all non-essential indoor and outdoor work would be halted, with workers continuing to receive pay despite closures. Similar regulatory frameworks have been adopted in countries such as Australia and France, where hazardous weather has led to worker fatalities and the temporary suspension of construction activities during heatwaves.

Susan Fitzgerald, Unite’s Irish secretary, emphasised the urgency of the issue, stating, “Accelerating climate change means that the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events are set to increase. Workers must not be made to pay the price – in terms of their safety, health and livelihoods – for a climate crisis not of their making.”

Unite released these proposals in conjunction with a survey conducted among its members following Storm Éowyn. The survey revealed that 55% of respondents did not feel safe travelling to or from work during the storm, and over half of those working outdoors felt their employers had not taken adequate safety precautions. Additionally, nearly a third of workers who were not required to work during the storm had to use various forms of leave, including annual, unpaid, flexitime, sick leave, or time off in lieu.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham highlighted the impact of these conditions, saying, “Our survey exposes that many workers felt unsafe working and travelling during Storm Éowyn while some employers even attempted to shift the financial cost of closure onto workers by insisting they take a day’s leave.” She added, “On International Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28), we are demanding that the Government climate-proof health and safety laws to ensure that workers’ lives and incomes are protected during extreme weather.”

Certain sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, construction, tourism, and emergency services are identified as particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change on job quality, according to a report by the EU’s Eurofound agency. The report also raised concerns about the impact on seasonal migrants and self-employed workers, predominantly men, in these sectors.

These developments come as Ireland experiences a period of improved weather. The forecast predicts high pressure bringing settled, dry, bright, and warm conditions this week, with temperatures expected to reach between 17C and 21C on Wednesday. This contrasts with the recent stormy conditions that highlighted the urgent need for enhanced workplace protections related to extreme weather.

Source: Noah Wire Services