“Climate-proofing” labour law: adapting to increased heat and extreme weather events
| dc.contributor.author | Godfrey, Shane | |
| dc.contributor.author | Collier, Debbie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-01-20T12:55:20Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-01-20T12:55:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Rising temperatures and extreme weather events present challenges for the world of work and the regulation of occupational health and safety (OHS) and increases the need for risk assessment and OHS control and prevention measures. These challenges are an important consideration in climate change adaptation. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant statutory rights, duties and standards, with an emphasis on working hours and OHS measures for the prevention and control of occupational injuries, diseases and illnesses linked to increased temperatures and extreme weather. In addition, social security provisions, including workers’ compensation and income protection, are considered. The report identifies legislative changes already in progress, and proposes an action plan for strengthening OHS protection for workers, with priority given to immediate actionable steps, while identifying longer-term areas for development and incorporation into legislation, regulations, and programmes to address the impact of climate change and promote a just transition. (Other labour law mechanisms for planning and implementing a just transition are addressed in Optimising labour law for a just transition) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/19831 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Thermal stress | |
| dc.subject | climate adaptation | |
| dc.subject | occupational injuries and diseases | |
| dc.subject | heat stress | |
| dc.subject | extreme weather | |
| dc.title | “Climate-proofing” labour law: adapting to increased heat and extreme weather events | |
| dc.type | Article |