Bangkok: The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) has issued a stern warning regarding the increasing health and safety risks faced by outdoor workers due to severe weather conditions, including summer storms and extreme temperatures. Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director of TEI, highlighted the urgent need for protective measures as Thailand experiences a dramatic shift in climate, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius and severe thunderstorms becoming more frequent.
According to Thai News Agency, TEI, along with its network partners, has emphasized the pressing threat posed by climate change, particularly during transitional seasons. The impact is notably severe on outdoor workers who face dual hazards from extreme heat and unpredictable storms. The institute is urging all sectors to enhance safety measures to shield these workers from escalating weather-related dangers.
Risk analysis conducted by TEI identifies nine outdoor occupations as the most vulnerable in current weather conditions. These occupations include construction workers, food delivery riders, maintenance technicians, street sweepers, street food vendors, traffic police, security guards, meter readers, and greenhouse staff. These workers are susceptible to multiple hazards such as accidents from strong winds, heat-related illnesses, and exposure to pollution.
The health risks for these workers are significant. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, pose a life-threatening risk, especially during periods of high heat index. Respiratory problems due to PM 2.5 and air pollution, as well as skin diseases from UV exposure, further exacerbate their vulnerability.
A critical concern is the lack of options for these workers to pause work during severe weather, as doing so would result in loss of income, highlighting the social inequality exacerbated by climate change. To address these challenges, TEI proposes three key approaches: enhancing extreme weather safety policies, supporting infrastructure and shelters, and developing a proactive early warning system to help workers make informed decisions.
Current statistics underline the urgency for concrete climate adaptation policies to provide a social safety net, ensuring all workers can navigate extreme weather conditions safely and equitably. The implementation of these measures is not merely an option but a necessary means for survival in the face of the ongoing climate crisis.