New International Guidance on Safety Risk due to Climate Change
In an effort to protect workers from current and growing occupational health and safety risks (OH&S) related to climate change, a new international guidance has been issued by BSI. The standard addresses challenges such as extreme heat, flooding and rising pollution that affect billions of workers around the world.
The group notes that climate change is having an increasingly profound impact on the global workforce, with conditions such as drought, rising sea levels, severe weather, air pollution and climate-induced resource shortages often intensifying existing OH&S risks or creating entirely new ones.
According to the International Labour Organization ( ILO), over 70% of all workers -an estimated 2.4 billion worldwide- are already exposed to excessive heat each year.
This can affect people in all roles and sectors, both outdoor and indoor work, with the former, physical labor, or exposure to environmental conditions, such as agricultural workers or those in the built environment or transport and logistics sectors, facing potentially severe impacts.
At the same time, efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change, including the introduction of new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, relocation of activities and new ways of working, can also introduce additional hazards if they are not effectively anticipated and managed, the group noted.
The new international PAS has been published by BSI to support organizations in identifying, assessing and managing these growing risks and taking action to address them. Occupational health and safety management — Risks arising from climate change and climate action — Guidance for organizations (ISO/PAS 45007: 2026) provides practical, risk-based guidance to help organizations proactively address these challenges and create resilient, safe, healthy and sustainable working environments.
The document provides guidelines for organizations to plan for and address risks resulting from climate change itself, such as flooding and extreme weather; adaptation efforts, such as changes in work processes, working practices or infrastructure upgrades; as well as risks arising from climate change mitigation actions, including the introduction of new technologies and low-carbon infrastructure. It also highlights OH&S opportunities linked to both adaptation and mitigation, including opportunities to improve worker health, well-being and productivity.
“Climate change is no longer a distant challenge, and it is already affecting workplaces and billions of workers today, introducing new risks to worker health and safety while also reshaping how organizations operate," said. Anne Hayes, director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, in a statement.
"The impact of climate change on the workplace is only likely to grow in the coming years. Therefore, helping managers understand how to respond and manage evolving risks, whether they arise from extreme weather, environmental changes, or the actions we take to adapt and mitigate climate change, is critical."
ISO/PAS 45007 is designed to be used by organizations with or without a formal OH&S management system such as Occupational Health & Safety (ISO 45001). Where such systems are in place, the guidance aligns with the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach, supporting coordinated, organization-wide action and effective risk management.
The document draws on climate science concepts and adapts them to the context of OH&S risk identification, assessment and control, with a strong focus on both health and safety impacts and preventive opportunities. It is intended for organizations of all sectors and sizes and is relevant to those who govern, manage, advise, regulate, insure, invest in, buy from or work for organizations affected by climate change and climate action.