Climate change and the right to refuse hazardous fishing work

Climate change is worsening occupational safety and health risks for fishers. Few legal frameworks adequately protect fishers’ right to refuse hazardous work. Migrant fishers are more vulnerable to climate risks since immigration restrictions significantly limit their ability to refuse hazardous work. Codifying the right to refuse hazardous work in national laws and collective bargaining agreements; integrating weather forecasting and Early Warning Systems into risk assessments, preparedness and response measures, and inspections; and expanding training and awareness are all necessary to prevent climate change from further eroding fundamental labor rights at sea.