In the first half of 2025 globally, natural-hazard disasters, including wildfires, floods, and storms, produced USD 131 billion in total losses, of which USD 80 billion was insured. Swiss Re projects that insured losses for the full year could reach up to USD 145 billion.
Beyond financial impacts, these events pose direct risks to workforce health, particularly via smoke-related respiratory issues and heat exposure. Infrastructure damage and disruptions threaten operational continuity, supply chains, and service delivery.
The International SOS Risk Map 2024 highlights a recent 80% increase in medical alerts triggered by environmental threats, underscoring how sharply health systems and workforce safety are under pressure. The International SOS Foundation’s 2024 Global Survey found that 65% of organisations across multiple regions had been affected by extreme weather in the past five years, with 80% reporting operational disruptions, 54% infrastructure damage, and 40% lacking mental health support for impacted employees.
Yet despite growing exposure to these risks, only 36% of organizations have comprehensive plans and policies for extreme weather, while 57% have not conducted any risk assessments. This reveals a significant preparedness gap, even among businesses that are aware of the escalating threats.
In this context, new research and industry best practices highlight how organizations can proactively strengthen their workforce's health resilience and ensure operations continuity through targeted planning, risk-informed decision-making, and the integration of health into emergency and continuity frameworks.
Critical Questions Organizations Must Address on Extreme Weather Risks
1. How effectively do you quantify our exposure to extreme weather and natural hazards?
According to the Marsh 2024 report, 83% of organizations assess future severe weather risks, with 48% relying only on qualitative risk assessments rather than quantified data.
Actionable detail: Implement exposure mapping and scenario modelling to translate weather-related threats into measurable metrics, e.g., expected downtime, projected absenteeism, or health incidents. These inform resilience planning and resource allocation.
“The challenge for HR and operational leaders is moving from reactive compliance to proactive commitment. Start with a structured assessment. Understand your exposure, engage your teams, and build health into your strategic planning.” – Dr Philippe Guibert
2. What site-specific risks are you facing, and how can you validate them with evidence?
Risks vary by geography. Urban sites may face air quality issues, while remote locations may be prone to flooding or extreme heat.
Actionable detail: Use regional weather data, health incident logs, and vulnerability assessments to validate assumptions. Tailor risk mitigation efforts accordingly.
3. Which resilience measures are implemented, and how do they align with evolving standards?
Key adaptation actions reported by Marsh in 2024 include:
- 49% of organizations conduct business continuity testing related to extreme weather.
- 41% invest in asset engineering to reduce vulnerability.
- 33% adjust working patterns to reflect weather impacts.
“Occupational health has always been about prevention, but what we need to prevent is changing. Today, exposure risks like heat stress, degraded air quality, and water-related disruptions are becoming more frequent and more complex. International standards are evolving to reflect this, including ISO/PAS 45007 and guidance from the BCI Continuity & Resilience Report.” – Dr Olivier Lo
Actionable detail: Combine engineering controls with workforce protocols (e.g. alternate shifts during heatwaves). Align policies with standards like ISO/PAS 45007 and embed health into emergency protocols.
4. How do you monitor performance, update plans, and communicate strategies to stakeholders?
Continuous improvement is critical: annual emergency plan reviews, stakeholder engagement, and transparent reporting build resilience and trust.
Actionable detail: Establish KPIs for health outcomes and response times. Conduct regular audits and feedback loops to keep plans current. Communicate openly through leadership briefings and internal channels.
Site Level: Analyze exposure risks; plan tailored interventions; implement and monitor controls.
Despite the importance of this dual approach, only 43% of organizations are currently using cost-benefit analysis to support investment decisions for resilience, highlighting a gap between awareness and structured action (Marsh, 2024).
Taking Action: Building Resilience to Severe Weather Risks
Building resilience to severe weather risks is no longer optional; it’s an urgent strategic imperative. Organizations must move beyond awareness to implement structured, consistent, and committed approaches. Whether assessments are conducted internally or with external expertise, the critical factor is translating recognized standards into concrete actions that protect workforce health, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure operational continuity.
This proactive commitment, including mental health and wellbeing, transforms preparedness into measurable performance and long-term resilience. To learn how we can support your organization in building health resilience and continuity amid extreme weather events, contact us here.