Health and Safety in Collective Bargaining Agreements: Including Heat Protection and Climate-Related Risks

Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a cornerstone of decent work. While national legislation establishes minimum standards, collective bargaining agreements can introduce practical and innovative measures that respond to sector-specific risks and emerging workplace challenges.

Modern CBAs increasingly address not only traditional safety issues but also psychosocial risks, workplace violence, ergonomic working conditions, worker participation, and preventive safety management. They are also beginning to respond to the growing impact of climate change by introducing measures to protect workers during periods of extreme heat, such as additional recovery breaks, work rescheduling, shaded rest areas, drinking water, and restrictions on work during the hottest hours of the day.

This support paper presents practical examples from the WageIndicator CBA Database, highlighting innovative clauses that strengthen occupational safety and health beyond legal minimum standards and support safer, healthier and more climate-resilient workplaces