Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading global health actions. However, experts argue that the WHO does not adequately prioritize the health and safety of workers, especially in the face of climate change.
The Importance of Worker Health
Every year, hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses, and nearly 3 million die from job-related accidents or exposures. Climate change is making many jobs even more dangerous, exposing millions of workers to extreme heat and toxic wildfire smoke.
The US Withdrawal and Its Impact on the WHO
After the US stopped funding the WHO, the agency retreated even further from occupational safety and health programs, putting millions of workers at risk as the planet warms, advocates contend. They hope that the WHO's leaders will change this when they meet next week.
Consequences of Inaction
The WHO's lack of priority for worker health may have severe consequences, especially in the face of climate change. It is essential that the WHO prioritizes the health and safety of workers and develops strategies to protect them from the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
The WHO must prioritize the health and safety of workers, especially in the face of climate change. It is crucial that the agency develops strategies to protect workers from the impacts of climate change and prioritizes worker health and safety in its global actions.
Source / Reference
Source: Inside Climate News