Climate change has an impact on workers, according to the health minister.
In a significant move to address evolving workplace health challenges, Luxembourg’s health minister, Martine Deprez, has pledged to reactivate the High Commission for Occupational Diseases.
The decision, announced following a pivotal meeting on 2 April, marks a turning point in the nation’s approach to occupational health, particularly as it grapples with the emerging risks posed by climate change.
The push to revive the commission stems from a January 2025 motion tabled by déi Lénk deputies David Wagner and Marc Baum.
Their proposal called for a reassessment of occupational health policies to include diseases linked to climate-related factors, a growing concern as rising temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting environmental conditions begin to impact workplaces across the Grand Duchy.
The motion gained traction, culminating in this week’s commitment from Minister Deprez to breathe new life into the commission.
The High Commission, established under Luxembourg’s robust labor framework, is tasked with identifying and cataloging diseases directly attributable to workplace conditions.
Updating disease list
Historically, its work has ensured that workers afflicted by occupational illnesses, ranging from respiratory conditions caused by industrial exposure to musculoskeletal disorders tied to repetitive tasks, receive recognition and support.
However, as medical knowledge advances and new risks emerge, the need for an updated list has become undeniable.
Deprez emphasised that the commission’s revival would align Luxembourg’s policies with the latest scientific insights, particularly those highlighting the intersection of climate change and occupational health.
Opposition voices have largely welcomed the move. Djuna Bernard, a deputy from déi Gréng, described it as “a positive and necessary step” in safeguarding workers’ well-being.
Outdoor workers, in particular, are increasingly exposed to extreme heat and UV radiation, while indoor environments contend with poor air quality linked to wildfires and pollution.
The reactivation of the commission signals Luxembourg’s proactive stance in a world where occupational health is no longer confined to traditional hazards.
Experts anticipate that the updated list could include conditions such as heatstroke, exacerbated respiratory illnesses, and psychological stress tied to climate-induced disruptions—issues that have gained prominence in medical literature over the past decade.
The commission’s work will also likely draw on international models, with countries like France and Germany already adapting their own occupational disease frameworks to account for environmental factors.
For now, the timeline for the commission’s first meeting remains unclear, though Deprez has promised swift action.
According to Luxembourg Times, left-wing lawmakers cited that “Studies conducted in France showing that people who frequently work in conditions of thermal stress (at least six hours per day, five days per week, for two months of the year) are more likely to suffer from kidney diseases or acute kidney injuries.”
