Leading Businesses Unite to Tackle Extreme Weather Risks for Workers' Safety and Well-being

Addressing Extreme Weather Risks for Workers

In the past year, a staggering 80% of workers in the United States have encountered disruptions at work due to extreme weather events, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Alarmingly, only a mere 4% of businesses have evaluated the risks posed by these extreme conditions to their employees, as revealed in a report by Mercer. These statistics unveil a significant gap in preparedness that the new initiative, Extreme Weather + Work, aims to bridge.

Launched by the Health Action Alliance and supported by Mercer and The Hartford, this initiative intends to provide businesses with the necessary tools and guidance to better support their employees before, during, and after extreme weather occurrences. By establishing peer-learning communities and offering expert resources, Extreme Weather + Work aims to enhance employer readiness to combat the increasing challenges posed by climate change.

The Challenge of Extreme Weather

2025 was a record-breaking year for weather disasters in the U.S., with 23 catastrophic events causing damages exceeding one billion dollars each. This included the nation’s most significant wildfire on record. Given such alarming trends, a recent poll indicated that only one in four employees believes their company is adequately prepared for future extreme weather challenges.

David Leathers, Director of the initiative, stated, "Extreme weather is becoming a persistent, year-round challenge for both employers and workers. Whether it’s extreme heat on construction sites or flooding that hampers commuting, this growing gap in preparedness is concerning. Extreme Weather + Work is here to change that."

Employer Engagement

A central element of the Extreme Weather + Work initiative is its collaborative approach. It aims to unite leaders from various business sectors, including Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Management, and Sustainability. Any employer can participate and access numerous free resources, such as the Climate Health Cost Forecaster and Worker Health Scorecard. These tools assist companies in identifying climate-related risks, estimating potential impacts on healthcare expenses, and developing strategies to mitigate these threats.

Founding member companies of the initiative include prestigious names like Bristol Myers Squibb, CVS Health, Disney, Google, and many others. They are working together to define what employer readiness should encompass across diverse industries. According to Tracy Watts, Sr. Partner at Mercer, the objective is to translate identified priorities into actionable measures that ensure resilience in workforce strategies and preparedness plans—prior to the next extreme event.

Dr. Sohini Stone, Google’s Chief Medical Officer for Global Employee Health, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the workforce, stating, "Protecting our workforce from extreme weather risks is both an operational priority and a responsibility we take seriously. Extreme Weather + Work brings together the right people to establish a practical, evidence-based framework that no single employer could develop alone."

A Collective Effort for Improved Preparedness

The initiative aims to connect individuals across various industries, enhancing knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving regarding extreme weather challenges. Employers can also request membership invitations to delve into more extensive resources, including peer learning sessions, exclusive research, expert advisory rounds, and access to Workforce Resilience Labs—which are in-person, regional gatherings designed to address community-specific extreme weather readiness.

Guided by the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health, which encompasses experts from business, public health, and policy, Extreme Weather + Work provides the necessary strategic insights for businesses to take impactful actions. This Commission was established by the Health Action Alliance in 2024 to delineate the particular role that employers can play in mitigating the dangers posed by extreme weather.

How to Join the Initiative

Employers are encouraged to explore membership, access free resources, and learn more by visiting Extreme Weather + Work. As climate challenges continue to rise, having a comprehensive plan in place to protect and support workers is more critical than ever.