Climate Change and Employee Health: An Urgent Concern
Amidst increasing natural disasters and soaring summer temperatures, the impact of climate change is more evident than ever. However, the effect on employee health is often overlooked. Studies reveal that symptoms of climate change, such as air pollution from fossil fuels, contribute to $820 billion in healthcare costs annually.
These costs arise from various health issues, including respiratory and heart diseases, illnesses from contaminated food, and injuries from natural calamities like floods and wildfires. “Climate change is impacting health right now,” states Baylis Beard, director of sustainability at Blue Shield of California.
Beard highlights the link between environmental sustainability and healthcare, citing examples from asthma to premature labor caused by high heat. She emphasizes the importance of considering impediments to care, such as flooding forcing people to give birth on the roadside.
Employers, especially health plan providers, need to assess environmental risks faced by employees. This data can be used to formulate better policies and health plans and should be part of a broader ESG tool called materiality assessment, identifying crucial social and environmental factors.
Understanding Environmental Risks for Office Workers
While the dangers of climate change are more apparent for outdoor laborers, Beard warns not to overlook office workers. Extreme weather or high outdoor pollution levels can affect commutes, and indoor pollutants like mold or chemicals can pose health risks.
“Start by understanding office space risks,” Beard advises. “Ensure protection from indoor pollution, which impacts every major organ system.”
Employers should also consider environmental threats in employees’ communities. Over 60% of Americans believe climate change affects their local areas, with communities of color disproportionately impacted.
- Black communities are 75% more likely to live near oil refineries.
- Residents in Southeast states face 1.4 times higher exposure to extreme heat.
- Heat in areas without tree cover can be 10-15 degrees higher.
Adapting Policies to Employee Needs
Understanding environmental risks in employees’ personal and professional lives helps employers anticipate necessary policy changes. This may include providing air filters, remote work policies during heatwaves, and comprehensive health plans with primary and preventive care.
Virtual health plans can significantly improve access to care. Beard recalls when telehealth played a crucial role after a clinic burned down in the 2018 Paradise wildfire. “Blue Shield integrated virtual care, allowing people to continue seeing their providers,” she says.
Employers are encouraged to involve employees in sustainability projects, such as planting trees or creating community gardens. These initiatives, although small, can build community resilience against climate impacts.
“Employers walking the walk by being transparent and addressing their environmental footprint are making a difference,” Beard asserts. “It’s a strong starting point.”
A Call to Action for Employers
Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a pressing health concern that demands action from employers. By understanding and mitigating the environmental risks their employees face, employers can help safeguard their health.
Employers should use data to create better policies and health plans, beginning with a comprehensive materiality assessment. This approach ensures that social and environmental factors are prioritized for the well-being of employees and stakeholders.
By taking proactive measures, such as improving indoor air quality and offering virtual health services, employers can make a tangible impact. These steps are crucial as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.
In the face of the global climate crisis, small sustainability projects can have lasting effects. “Employers making genuine efforts in sustainability will strengthen community resilience and support their employees,” says Beard. “This journey starts with transparency and action.”