When you think about OHS, injury management or human resources – do you ever think about climate change?

For some organisations climate change is front and centre, but for others it's a non-thing. They simply don’t care.

But one thing is certain: climate change is happening and it's impacting the health of your workers and the productivity of your business.

From bushfires to storms to heatwaves, and - the unforgettable COVID-19 pandemic, our world is changing and becoming increasingly uncertain.

Climate change will impact all of us - but are you, or your organisation, ready?

If you haven't considered climate change at work here are 10 talking points to get you started:

1. Health and Safety Risks: Climate change leads to more extreme weather events, and deteriorated air quality, which increases health risks especially for vulnerable or outdoor workers. It also increases the prevalence of infectious diseases.
2. Industry Shifts: As we adapt to climate change, some industries may shrink or transform, while others will grow. Fossil fuel industries may decline due to the shift towards renewable energy, whereas jobs in the renewable energy sectors, environmental protection, and sustainability-focused industries are expected to increase. Healthcare will also be another boom industry. 
3. Workplace Adaptations: Workplace adaptations will be required to manage risk associated with climate change. This could involve modifying working hours, improving workplace environmental controls, or investing in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
4. Productivity Changes: Extreme weather conditions can affect worker productivity, particularly in jobs that require physical labor. Companies may need to adjust workloads, schedules, and even the design of workspaces to mitigate these effects.
5. Supply Chain Disruptions: Climate change can disrupt supply chains by affecting the availability of raw materials, impacting transport routes, or by causing damage to infrastructure. Businesses may need to develop more resilient supply chains to cope with these challenges.
6. Insurance Costs: Increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters may lead to higher insurance premiums for businesses. Additionally, companies may face financial risks from climate-related regulatory changes, such as carbon pricing.
7. Employee Wellbeing and Morale: The psychological impact of climate change, including anxiety and concern for the future, can affect employee wellbeing and morale. Employers might need to offer support and resources to help employees cope with these mounting concerns.
8. Remote Work: To reduce carbon footprints and manage the risk of extreme weather events, companies might adopt more flexible work arrangements, including increased opportunities for work from home.
9. Corporate Responsibility: There's a growing expectation for companies to act responsibly regarding the environment. This includes adopting sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and contributing to community resilience against climate change impacts.
10. Regulatory Changes: As governments enact policies to combat climate change, businesses must stay informed and compliant with new regulations, which may affect operations and reporting requirements.

Climate change needs to be part of your risk assessments and wider business planning practices now. Risks will arise and opportunities will unfold. Consider what climate change may look like for you and your workplace and use the suggested topics to start conversations on how best we can evolve together.