The Urgent Call to Recognize Ocean Workers as Frontline Group in Climate Change

A global safety charity is calling for ocean workers to be recognized as a frontline group when it comes to the impacts of climate change. According to Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s latest World Risk Poll Focus On report, Risk perceptions and experiences of ocean workers, ocean workers are among one of the most vulnerable demographics in the face of climate change, with 80% of them saying they are worried about being seriously harmed by severe weather.

The report, based on new analysis of data from the 2024 World Risk Poll, surveyed 147,000 people across 142 countries. It reveals that ocean workers are almost three times as likely to name climate change as the greatest source of risk to their safety in daily life compared to workers across other industries (17% versus 6%).

Lloyd’s Register Foundation also found that ocean workers have experienced more harm from severe weather than any other group of workers. One third (33%) of ocean workers reported personally experiencing serious harm from severe weather in the last two years, compared to 20% of other workers. This highlights the direct exposure ocean workers face to the increasing intensity of severe weather events, from storms to unpredictable ocean conditions.

Moreover, the report identifies ocean workers as an already vulnerable demographic, with the highest personal experience of workplace harm compared to other sectors. A quarter (25%) of ocean workers reported experiencing harm from their work in the past two years, compared to 18% of other workers.

Despite these alarming statistics, the report reveals that too few ocean workers have received occupational safety and health (OSH) training. Over two thirds (68%) of ocean workers stated they have never received OSH training, while only a quarter (25%) have received recent training in the last two years.

Given the evidence that ocean workers face the most harm from climate change and lack sufficient OSH training, the Foundation is urging for ocean workers to be acknowledged as frontline workers in addressing the impacts of climate change.