As the global climate continues to shift, its impacts are felt acutely across various sectors, often disproportionately affecting frontline workers. A new report from the global safety charity, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, starkly reveals the alarming vulnerabilities faced by ocean workers, calling for them to be recognised as a critical frontline group in the climate crisis. While their experience is unique, their challenges present vital lessons for any organisation managing hazardous roles or workforces exposed to environmental change.
The Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s latest World Risk Poll Focus On report, “Risk perceptions and experiences of ocean workers,” paints a concerning picture:
- 80% of ocean workers express worry about being seriously harmed by severe weather.
- One third (33%) have personally experienced serious harm from severe weather in the last two years, significantly higher than 20% for other workers.
- 17% name climate change as the greatest source of risk to their daily safety, compared to just 6% of workers in other industries.
These statistics underscore a reality where ocean workers, unlike many in the general workforce, face direct and intensifying exposure to severe weather events and unpredictable ocean conditions.
A Critical Gap in Occupational Safety and Health Training
Alarmingly, despite these high rates of harm, a significant majority of ocean workers are operating without essential safety knowledge. The report found that over two thirds (68%) of ocean workers have never received occupational safety and health (OSH) training, with only a quarter (25%) having received recent training within the last two years.
This training deficit is not just a problem for the maritime industry; it is a profound concern for any HR leader overseeing a workforce in hazardous or unpredictable environments. “Climate change is undeniably reshaping our world, leading to more frequent, and more severe weather events,” said Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation. “While this will impact us all, there are sectors of the global workforce which feel its impacts more severely. That makes it all the more concerning that those same workers are not receiving the vital OSH training they need to keep themselves, and their colleagues, safe.”
Beyond Physical Risks: Addressing the “Quiet Storms”
The challenges for ocean workers extend beyond immediate physical dangers. The report indicates that a quarter (25%) of ocean workers experienced harm from their work in the past two years, compared to 18% in other sectors. This harm encompasses what experts refer to as “quiet storms”—issues that contribute to anxiety and stress.
Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager at the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and a former seafarer, highlights these internal pressures: “In addition to the harsh weather, ocean workers have to deal with a variety of internal issues which lead to anxiety and stress, such as loneliness, working with a diverse and international crew, and being physically separated from their loved ones. This study emphasises that ocean workers are also subject to quiet storms in the form of insufficient training and fear of job loss.” This resonates with the broader mental wellbeing challenges faced by many frontline and isolated workforces across various industries.
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of the World Maritime University, further reinforces this, stating: “Seafaring and commercial fishing have traditionally been recognised as the world’s most hazardous occupations. Aside from already challenging conditions that have perennially been associated with shipboard life, our ocean workers face new and even more serious risks brought about by climate change.”
Imperatives for Policy and Industry: Lessons for All
Given the compelling evidence that ocean workers face the most significant harm from climate change and lack adequate OSH training, the Lloyd’s Register Foundation is advocating for their acknowledgement as frontline workers in the context of climate change. This call carries weight for all sectors grappling with environmental impacts on their staff.
The Foundation urges governments and stakeholders across ocean industries to:
- Integrate specific provisions for the safety and wellbeing of ocean workers into national and international climate adaptation policies. This includes protecting against severe weather and addressing isolation-related stress.
- Prioritise continuous OSH training, moving away from a ‘one-off’ event mentality. “Training is a continuous process, not a one-off event, which requires adequate funding and widespread industry support,” Hey added.
- Tailor safety standards to the unique challenges of working in hazardous conditions.
- Draw on the knowledge and expertise of frontline workers themselves to inform climate adaptation strategies, as their direct experience is invaluable for safely navigating evolving environmental risks in their own and potentially other sectors.
A Universal Call to Action for Workforce Safety
The plight of ocean workers serves as a critical warning. It underscores the universal need for proactive occupational safety and health measures, continuous training, and robust wellbeing support for all employees, particularly those in frontline or hazardous roles. As climate change continues to alter working conditions globally, organisations across every industry must learn from these insights, ensuring their most vulnerable workforces are adequately prepared, protected, and supported for the challenges ahead.