Climate Change Risk Assessment: A New Imperative for UK Employers
While the UK weather so far this year has not brought much heat, it has certainly brought a lot of rain and with this like any extremes of weather, can give rise to increased occupational risks.
Now as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, UK employers face a new challenge of assessing and mitigating climate change risks to their workforce.
At present assessing climate related risks will be seen as good business practice for most employers, but if weather related events do pose risks to workers, you should already be including these in your risk assessments.
The requirement for risk assessment was first legally introduced in the UK in 1992 with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, even though the concept was contained within the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.
Impacts on Health & Safety
The UK's longstanding commitment to workplace safety is now intersecting with the realities of a changing climate. UK Health and Safety laws require employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. In today's context, this obligation extends to considering the impacts of climate change.
The climate crisis is affecting every country in different ways and to varying degrees, with many places already facing:
- extreme temperatures,
- poor air quality,
- sea level rises,
- floods,
- storm surges,
- wildfires,
- droughts,
- high winds / hurricanes,
- rises in infectious diseases.
Risk Assessment
The first step for employers is to identify potential climate-related hazards relevant to their specific workplace and operations. Weather related risks have been part of risk assessments for those working in the utilities industry for some time with energy workers having to consider lightening risks, telecoms workers having to consider high wind risks or water industry workers flooding risks.
Climate change will mean that many other organisations will have to also consider weather risks which could range from extreme heat in office environments to increased storm risks for those who drive or travel as part of their work duties.
Once potential hazards are identified, employers must assess their likelihood and potential impacts. This requires staying informed about the latest climate projections for the UK. The Met Office's UK Climate Projections (UKCP) provide a valuable resource for this purpose, offering detailed regional climate information.
For those new to risk assessments, Arinite have a one-page fact sheet that gives a simple explanation of what a risk assessment is and how to undertake one,
Control Measures
Having evaluated the risk, the critical step is to see if you can eliminate it, or if you need to develop some control measures. For example, to deal with rising temperatures and heatwaves, this might include improving building insulation, installing better ventilation or cooling systems or even providing additional breaks during heatwaves. To deal with increased rainfall events and to prevent flooding you may need to check floodplain maps, install pumps in basements or fit flood protection barriers. It's important to note that these measures may need to evolve over time as climate conditions change.
Engaging employees in the risk assessment process can yield valuable insights and increase buy-in for new safety measures. Employees often have the best understanding of day-to-day risks in their work environment, their input can be invaluable in identifying potential hazards and developing practical solutions.
Cost Saving Opportunities
While the task may seem daunting, many organisations are finding that addressing climate risks can also uncover opportunities. Energy efficiency measures implemented to reduce heat build-up in buildings, for example, can also lead to cost savings.
Moreover, a proactive approach to climate risk can enhance an organisation's overall resilience. Companies that integrate climate considerations into their risk management and business continuity planning are better prepared for a range of potential disruptions.
As the climate continues to change, so too will the nature of workplace risks. Regular review and updating of risk assessments is essential. The Health and Safety Executive recommends that risk assessments be reviewed at least annually, or whenever there are significant changes to the workplace or new information about potential hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, climate change risk assessment is becoming an essential part of workplace health and safety management in the UK. By taking a proactive, thorough approach, employers can protect their workforce, comply with legal requirements, and build more resilient organisations ready to face the challenges of a changing climate.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Our team of health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple.
If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.com/contact-us/.
Written by