[Answered] Discuss the challenges posed by climate change to labor productivity in India, particularly in the agriculture and construction sectors. Evaluate the existing legal framework governing occupational safety with respect to climate impacts and suggest measures for its improvement.

Climate change poses significant challenges to labor productivity in India, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on outdoor work, like agriculture and construction which is highlighted in International Labour Organization’s (ILO) latest report, ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’, that calls to ensure the future of labour is climate proofed and to address the constantly evolving work environment as the planet warms.

Challenges in Agriculture

• Heat Stress: Rising temperatures and heatwaves lead to heat stress, reducing work capacity and increasing fatigue among agricultural workers.
• Droughts and Water Scarcity: Water scarcity due to erratic rainfall patterns impacts crop yields, leading to reduced agricultural output and potential job losses.

Challenges in Construction

• Extreme Weather Events: Heavy rains and storms can disrupt construction schedules, damage partially built structures, and lead to project delays.
• Resource Scarcity: Climate change can exacerbate water scarcity, impacting the availability of construction materials like concrete.

Evaluation of Existing Legal Framework

• Focus on Traditional Hazards: The Factories Act, 1948, and Construction Workers Act, 1966, primarily focus on industrial hazards and lack specific provisions addressing heat stress and extreme weather events.
• Limited Awareness and Weak Enforcement: Understaffed and under-resourced labor inspectorates struggle to effectively enforce existing safety regulations. Many workers and employers lack awareness about climate-related occupational safety risks and appropriate mitigation measures.

Measures for Improvement

• Heat Stress Guidelines: Develop and enforce heat stress prevention guidelines, including mandatory rest breaks, hydration provisions, and work hour adjustments during extreme heat.
• Early Warning Systems: Implement robust early warning systems for extreme weather events to allow workers to take precautionary measures.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure in workplaces, including cooling facilities and heat shelters for construction workers.
• Capacity Building: Train labor inspectors and employers on identifying and managing climate-related occupational hazards.

Conclusion

The connection between labor productivity, human health, and climate change is frequently overlooked, with most emphasis placed on bolstering economic and infrastructure resilience. However, according to ILO report, there is a critical need to establish a universally accepted regulatory framework to safeguard work and workers from the impacts of climate change.