How extremes of weather are impacting live events and sports
With over 30 years of experience in the live events sector, I consistently emphasize the need to address extreme weather events in Event Safety Plans. The pressing reality of climate change is rapidly altering global weather patterns, with the frequency and severity of extreme weather events projected to escalate.
The weather we faced in the past is not a reliable indicator of what we will experience in the future – extreme weather events are likely to be more severe than we have previously encountered. While working in Dubai in April this year, we experienced a once-in-a-lifetime weather event. Dubai witnessed a record-breaking rainfall of 250mm in a 24-hour period; the flooding caused by this rainfall resulted in 20 deaths across the UAE. But it was not just the rain; windspeeds gusting in excess of 90kph lifted temporary structures weighing several tons and smashing them like matchwood. We must accept that these events are now far from unique and quickly becoming the new normal.
“In my experience, periods of extreme heat, thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, hail, tropical storms, and high winds are more commonplace.”
Workers in the events sectors are often subject to working in high temperatures. We have found ways to mitigate the risk associated with heat-related sickness, but there are many other factors to consider, including UV radiation, air pollution, and insect-borne diseases. In July, my team experienced 40 temperatures in Budapest, forcing us to change to night-time work. While a reasonable mitigation for the high temperatures, working at night brings with it attendant welfare concerns, which also need to be managed.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Strategy on OSH 2024-30 highlights that OSH concerns related to climate change should be positioned high in our risk management strategies.
Climate change presents significant challenges to worker safety and health globally. Numerous health conditions are linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders. As climate hazards evolve, legislation will need re-evaluation or new regulations. Personally, I think it is crucial we integrate OSH into climate policies and incorporate climate concerns into OSH practices. Enhanced research is required in critical areas, including AI weather pattern prediction and effective real-time accessible weather data.
However, the most crucial element in addressing climate-related risks is collaboration—all stakeholders must unite to develop and implement climate mitigation and adaptation policies.
Extreme weather events are so commonplace that we must mitigate risks to identify and prioritise hazards that could affect our workforce. Historical data, climate projections, risk maps, and vulnerability assessments to determine the frequency, severity, and impact of different weather events must be included 
in our event and crisis management planning to protect our people effectively.
Richard Bate CFIOSH – Vice President IOSH