Gods of Thunder, Rock & Roll (& Weather……)
- Rachael Davies
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
How extremes of weather are impacting the live music and festivals sector
With over 30 years of experience working in the live events sector, I always highlight mitigations for extreme weather events in Event Safety Plans. The urgent reality of climate change is now unequivocally affecting global weather patterns, with the frequency and severity of extreme weather events expected to increase.
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 2024, we experienced a once-in-a-lifetime weather event. Dubai witnessed a record-breaking rainfall in 24 hours, surpassing Emirati meteorological data since records began in 1949.
We must accept that these events are now far from unique and quickly becoming the new normal; for example:
· Periods of extreme heat,
· Thunderstorms,
· Lightning,
· Flash floods,
· Hail,
· Tropical storms,
· High winds.
Workers in the events sector 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:
· Solar UV radiation,
· Air pollution,
· Insect-borne diseases.
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.
· ILO reports that 2.41 billion workers are exposed to extreme heat globally each year, 18,979 of which resulted in death.
· The ILO reports 18,9560 work-related deaths caused by exposure to UV radiation each year.
· The World Health Organisation reports 700,000 deaths annually due to an increased malaria incidence,
· Extreme heat causes sleeping disorders, behavioural changes, and decreased concentration.
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. We must integrate OSH into climate policies and incorporate climate concerns into OSH practices.
Enhanced research is required due to limited evidence in critical areas. However, the most important aspect is collaboration—all stakeholders must develop and implement climate mitigation and adaptation policies.
Extreme weather events are so common that we must mitigate risks by identifying and prioritising hazards that could impact our workforce. Our event and crisis management planning should incorporate historical data, climate projections, risk maps, and vulnerability assessments to evaluate the frequency, severity, and impact of various weather events, ensuring the effective protection of our people.
Climate change creates a ‘cocktail’ of serious health hazards for 70 per cent of the world’s workers – the events industry is among the highest risk sectors………..
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