Embedding worker protection in climate action for climate-responsive occupational health

Background Climate change is emerging as a major global health crisis, escalating occupational hazards across all sectors and exacerbating social inequalities. Workers, especially those in outdoor, informal, and precarious employment are increasingly exposed to multiple hazards, leading to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, productivity losses, and premature death. Objective This commentary aims to underscore the need to integrate occupational health into climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Methods Drawing on current evidence and policy frameworks, this manuscript outlines strategic priorities and practical measures to strengthen the role of occupational health systems in climate resilience. Results Key points include heat action plans, expanded social protections, improved surveillance and early warning systems, and investment in climate-resilient workplace innovations. It also calls for cross-sectoral collaboration between health, labour, and environment sectors and highlights the urgent need for intervention studies to identify effective, evidence-based OSH strategies. Significance Integrating occupational health into climate policies will help protect vulnerable worker populations, strengthen public health resilience, and promote sustainable economic outcomes in times of climate crisis. Collaboration between occupational and public health systems is essential to ensure no worker is left behind in the climate response. Impact This commentary addresses the critical but often overlooked intersection of occupational health and climate mitigation and adaptation. Its original contribution is explicitly positioning the OSH not merely as recipient of adaptation policy but as cross-sectoral catalyst for mitigation and resilience. It offers a timely discussion regarding integrating worker protection into climate strategies. By focusing on vulnerable populations particularly those in informal and outdoor work it aligns with global development and climate goals. The proposed actions aim to address a major gap in current climate-health responses, ensuring more equitable and resilient outcomes for workers in Europe and worldwide.