Balancing climate action with workplace safety in the Gulf of Mexico

The global health, safety, and environment (HSE) landscape is experiencing significant growth.

On one side, unprecedented efforts are being channelled into tackling the climate crisis, with the international community steadfastly pursuing net-zero ambitions.

On the other, the focus on worker health and safety has intensified, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite substantial progress in occupational health and safety, work-related injuries and fatalities remain alarmingly high.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), work-related fatalities accounted for 6.71% of global deaths, while an estimated 374 million workers suffered non-fatal occupational accidents.

In a landmark move, the ILO has incorporated “a safe and healthy working environment” into its Fundamental Principles and Rights framework, underscoring its commitment to preventing workplace injuries and diseases.

Adding to the discourse, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) published its ERM 2024 Global Health and Safety Survey, which highlighted increasing investments in health and safety, stronger leadership engagement, and greater utilisation of technology and data analytics.

Notable findings include 94% of health and safety leaders reporting heightened stakeholder expectations over the past three years, with 80% anticipating further increases across all sectors and regions in the next three years.

Additionally, 77% expect rising health and safety expectations among prospective employees.

While 81% of participants acknowledged improved leadership engagement in health and safety over the past three years, only 7% felt that sufficient time was being dedicated to the topic.

To bridge this gap, 85% of respondents plan to invest in safety leadership initiatives within the next three years, signalling a clear shift towards prioritising health and safety at the leadership level.