Extreme weather events in Rio Grande do Sul and their impacts on Workers’ Health

Abstract

Introduction: Extreme climate events have increased in frequency and intensity, causing ever greater damage. In Rio Grande do Sul-RS, in 2024, the largest environmental disaster in the history occurred, with various environmental and human damages. Objective: This essay examined the direct impacts of the recent environmental crisis on workers, highlighting the priority of addressing climate changes in the training and practice of professionals in Worker’s Health and other health areas. Methods: Starting from the climate disaster in RS, academic publications, data and institutional information were examined, presenting reflections on this extreme hydrological event, its impacts on workers and the reconstruction process. Results: The disaster affected 96% of the municipalities, leaving much destruction, with serious impacts. 2,398,255 people were affected, including 183 deaths and thousands of homeless people. The disaster led to job and workplace losses, affecting workers and producing several health problems such as infections, traumas and mental disorders. Conclusion: Reconstruction is complex and must consider warnings of new extreme events. In order to improve resilience and reduce impacts, it is important to include climate disasters in the training and action plans of those working in worker health.