Extreme heat and other severe weather events are a growing concern in the workplace. They jeopardize the safety of employees, especially outdoor workers, while raising health care costs and threatening economic productivity.
Numerous studies have warned employers to better prepare for these dangers as climate change worsens heat waves, wildfires, floods and storms worldwide. But relatively few companies have taken action to protect themselves and their employees, researchers say.
A new program, created by the business network Health Action Alliance and the consulting firm Mercer, aims to change that.
The Extreme Weather + Work initiative is designed to build a community for interested employers to share research and resources on safeguarding against extreme weather events. It would include advisory sessions, data tools and playbooks for issues like occupational health and safety or human resources and employee benefits.
