Competitions

Description of the theme of the XXXIV edition of the Occupational Health and Safety Poster Competition "Work and Climate":

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of the modern world, affecting not only the natural environment but also the lives, health, and safety of people. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, wildfires, floods, and droughts, are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity, directly influencing working conditions in many sectors of the economy. Adapting to these dynamic changes requires greater awareness of the associated risks and the implementation of effective measures to protect workers' health and lives.

Workers are among the first groups exposed to the effects of climate change, as their daily duties often involve direct exposure to adverse weather conditions. High temperatures can lead to heat stress, dehydration, decreased productivity, and an increased risk of occupational accidents. Outdoor workers, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and construction, are especially vulnerable, as high temperatures combined with intense physical effort can have serious health consequences.

Climate change also contributes to increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and raise the risk of developing skin cancer. Those working outdoors are most at risk, as they are exposed daily to UV radiation levels two to three times higher than people working indoors.

Another significant threat is the rise in air pollution, caused in part by excessive greenhouse gas emissions. These pollutants affect both outdoor and indoor workers, contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health conditions.

Work is an integral part of our lives, and its conditions evolve along with changes in our environment. This edition of the competition aims to spark reflection on how climate change impacts the work environment and to inspire the pursuit of solutions that can improve occupational safety.

We invite participants to express their personal interpretation of the theme through the power of visual communication, in order to raise public awareness of the need to protect the health and lives of those working in changing climate conditions