President of the Industrial Court Deborah Thomas-Felix is stressing the need for employers to implement safety measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and other climate-related dangers.

Presenting the feature address at the special sitting of the court for the opening of the 2023-2024 Industrial Court law term Thomas-Felix noted the impact of climate change on industrial relations.

She said climate change can affect productivity as she pointed to the heat being experienced in TT.

“In TT, we know only too well the intense heat experienced when we are outdoors for work. Also, there are workers who experience the intense heat and discomfort when working indoors because they work in buildings which are not properly ventilated.”

Thomas-Felix added, “Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illness, injuries and even death.”

She pleaded the case for workers who operate in hot environments and said that according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) excessive heat during work creates occupational health risks, restricts physical functions and diminishes work capacity and productivity.

“Workers who are more at risk to heat stress…include fire-fighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, among others. The increasing extreme weather events directly place workers who are engaged on construction sites, agriculture and in some cases the essential services within direct risk.”

She said, “Social partners should therefore encourage the adoption of sound health and safety mechanisms and policies in the workplace. Adequate safety measures are paramount in protecting workers from heat-related illnesses, air quality hazards and other climate-related dangers.”

Thomas-Felix advocated for the reintroduction of work-from-home policies to address heat-related illnesses and the larger issue of climate change.

“Consideration should be given to the use of remote work and new modalities of work. Remote work allows workers to stay safe during disasters such as natural disasters or pandemics and minimises disruptions to business operations. It can also lead to increased productivity during the time of an environmental or health adversity.”

She also called on trade unions and employers to hold training seminars about climate change-related issues which may impact employees.

“I also think it will be very useful for employers and unions to incorporate clauses in collective agreements for the annual training of workers especially those who are at greater risk so that they can understand the danger of heat stress and other environmental concerns which affect their health and safety and also learn of preventative measures.”

Thomas Felix also reiterated the importance of social dialogue noting that has been a common theme in her previous presentations.

“When there is the practice of good industrial relations and the business is a success, the people who are involved in that business benefit. The owners realise a profit and the work