The AIHS examines new findings on how climate change will impact miners and supply chains.
Workers in sectors like mining are expected to be more directly affected by the impacts of climate change, according to Australia’s first-ever National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA).
The report states that the physical and mental health of emergency management personnel and volunteers, for example, is likely to come under greater strain as these workers face increasing exposure to extreme heat and other climate-related hazards.
“This exposure not only affects their wellbeing but also slows their response and recovery efforts, adding psychological and physical stress that hampers their effectiveness,” the NCRA said.
Rural and regional communities, where many mining operations are located, are also on the frontline of climate change, with rising temperatures making it more difficult for outdoor workers to operate safely and efficiently. Supply chains, particularly those linked to mining, agriculture and fisheries, face growing exposure to climate risks within Australia and globally.
“Disruptions in global supply chains caused by extreme weather in key trading regions compound these risks, affecting the availability and cost of raw materials and products,” the report stated.
“This can reduce … productivity and challenge the viability of some businesses.”
The report cited the New South Wales Treasury’s research which found that between 700,000 (+3°C temperature increase) and 2.7 million (>+3°C temperature increase) additional days of work are projected to be lost every year by 2061 due to higher frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly affecting mining, agriculture, construction and, manufacturing.
Other Treasury research estimated that labour productivity could decrease by 0.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent by 2063, which would reduce economic output by between $135 billion and $423 billion.
More broadly, the report said Australia is forecast to experience a 444 per cent increase in heat-related mortality in Sydney and coastal flooding is set to spike from 15 to 257 days per year.
“Business interruptions caused by extreme events will raise costs for local economies and may have broader impacts on the national economy when disruptions are widespread or prolonged,” the NCRA said.
“Effective adaptation actions – including risk-based planning, resilient building codes, and long-term infrastructure investment – will be essential to mitigate financial risks.”
The report found inclusive community engagement and forward-looking planning will also be critical to support economic resilience.
“Australia’s first-ever National Climate Risk Assessment confirms that climate change is an emergency for workers, their families and communities. We now have a clearer picture than ever of the truly devastating consequences that will result if we do not act with urgency,” Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele O’Neil said.
“We support reforms aimed at keeping Australians safe as temperatures rise, including increased adaptation funding for local council areas and community organisations, updates to workplace health and safety regulations, policy changes to support more resilient housing, including for renters, and increased support for health and social services.”
This feature appeared in the November-December edition of Safe to Work.