As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, businesses across the globe are facing mounting challenges to both their operations and employee wellbeing, according to a new global survey by the International SOS Foundation. The findings underscore the profound impact that climate-related disruptions are having on organisations, with many failing to adequately prepare for the health and safety risks posed by these events.
Key Findings on the Impact of Extreme Weather
The survey, which gathered insights from businesses worldwide, revealed that a significant 65% of organisations have been affected by extreme weather events in the past five years. Flooding, often caused by heavy rainfall, was identified as the most common weather-related issue, impacting over 72% of respondents. The report highlights a range of disruptions, with 80% of those significantly affected reporting operational interruptions, 54% facing infrastructure damage, and nearly a quarter of companies experiencing physical injuries among their employees or their families.
Despite the increasing frequency of such events, many companies remain unprepared. The survey found that 36% of organisations lack comprehensive plans for dealing with extreme weather, and 57% have not conducted risk assessments to understand the full scope of the threats they face. In addition, mental health support for employees affected by extreme weather is often overlooked, with 40% of organisations failing to offer assistance to their workforce and families following such incidents.
Health and Safety Risks: A Growing Concern
The physical damage caused by extreme weather is only part of the problem. The mental health impact on employees, including stress, anxiety, and trauma, is a major concern, yet many businesses are not equipped to support their staff through these challenges. Although a quarter of organisations have health risk plans in place, only 25% address the specific health needs of employees during extreme weather events. This leaves many workers vulnerable and businesses unprepared to manage potential injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities.
The survey also revealed that more than a quarter of organisations would be unable to locate their employees during a crisis, further complicating emergency response and crisis management efforts. This lack of preparedness could undermine employee safety and disrupt business continuity.
Dr Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS, emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach to resilience: “It’s not just about preparing for the physical impact of floods or heatwaves. It’s about addressing the human side of resilience, ensuring businesses have the resources and plans to support employees’ mental and physical health. True resilience involves proactive, people-centred planning that prepares individuals and organisations to not only withstand, but also recover from, extreme weather events.”
Investing in Resilience and Preparedness
The rising frequency of extreme weather events makes it imperative for businesses to adopt more robust solutions. Advances in weather forecasting and early warning systems are helping organisations to better anticipate and respond to potential disruptions. By integrating these technologies into their risk management strategies, companies can reduce the impact of extreme weather on both their workforce and operations.
The International SOS Foundation’s report, “Extreme Weather: Health Impacts on the Global Workforce,” aims to help businesses better understand these challenges and take proactive steps to safeguard their employees. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce health and safety, the foundation is also offering CPD-certified training courses, including a special course on “Adapting to the Changing Climate” set for 12 December 2024. This initiative is designed to support health and safety professionals in integrating workforce wellbeing into broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
As the threat of extreme weather intensifies, businesses that invest in preparedness, including mental and physical health support for employees, will be better equipped to navigate the growing challenges posed by a changing climate. For more information and registration, click here.