CELSI researchers gave a lecture on Climate Change and Workers for Independent Cristian Unions in Ružomberok, Slovakia, at the international conference on June 13.

Researchers Monika Martišková and Pavol Bors gave a lecture on Climate Change and its Impact on Working Conditions and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

In the lecture they discussed how emerging green sectors — such as waste management and renewable energy (solar and wind) — are expected to see significant job growth if the goals of the green transition are to be met. However, these sectors often lack the institutional structures and mechanisms needed to ensure safe working conditions.

While trade unions have traditionally played a key role in workplace safety, their limited presence in these new industries could pose challenges. Recent research highlights specific risks: working at heights during the installation and maintenance of solar panels and wind turbines, exposure to biohazards and sharp objects, and handling dangerous substances in waste reprocessing.

These findings underline the importance of addressing occupational safety as part of the broader green transition agenda and the role of the social dialogue as a policy tool but also as a governance mechanism.

#Decarbonisation #JustTransition #LabourMarket #SlovakIndustry