Updated assessment of occupational safety and health hazards of climate change

Abstract

Workers, particularly outdoor workers, are among the populations most disproportionately affected by climate-related hazards. However, scientific research and control actions to comprehensively address these hazards are notably absent. To assess this absence, a seven-category framework was developed in 2009 to characterize the scientific literature published from 1988–2008. Using this framework, a second assessment examined the literature published through 2014, and the current one examines literature from 2014–2021. The objectives were to present literature that updates the framework and related topics and increases awareness of the role of climate change in occupational safety and health. In general, there is substantial literature on worker hazards related to ambient temperatures, biological hazards, and extreme weather but less on air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, industrial transitions, and the built environment. There is growing literature on mental health and health equity issues related to climate change, but much more research is needed. The socioeconomic impacts of climate change also require more research. This study illustrates that workers are experiencing increased morbidity and mortality related to climate change. In all areas of climate-related worker risk, including geoengineering, research is needed on the causality and prevalence of hazards, along with surveillance to identify, and interventions for hazard prevention and control.

Working under the 2021 Heat Dome: A Content Analysis of Occupational Impacts Mentioned in the Canadian Media

“…Our media content analysis supports previous findings that show that many outdoor workers, such as asphalt and concrete workers [64], construction workers [2,65,66], electrical utility workers [67,68], miners [4,[69][70][71], military [72], roofing contractors [73], and agricultural labourers (e.g., feed crop farmers, livestock farmers, fruit pickers) [2,74] experience impacts from working in extreme heat. These labour groups align with the traditional understanding of workers at risk of heat stress as they are often required to work in challenging ambient conditions, while wearing personal protective equipment, and/or while performing labour-intensive tasks [2][3][4][5].…”

“…Extreme heat poses a significant occupational health and safety (OHS) challenge for workers across multiple sectors, including the military, construction, mining, agricultural, manufacturing, and metal industries [1,2]. Workers in these sectors are often required to perform labour-intensive tasks while donning personal protective equipment in extreme ambient conditions [3][4][5], which can result in heat-related illnesses and injuries (e.g., heat stroke, acute kidney injury, adverse cardiovascular events) [1,6,7] and productivity decrements [1], especially when prolonged work in the heat is performed over consecutive days [8].…”

“…These next-day effects not only result in lower heat tolerance and higher risk for heat-related illnesses but may result in worker fatigue and diminished work performance on subsequent days, leading to a rise in occupational accidents [1,9]. Due to the increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of climate change-induced extreme heat events (or heat waves) [10,11], the challenges posed by occupational heat are becoming increasingly complex and are further exacerbating the threat posed by heat to these workers [2,12].…”

The evolution of new and emerging occupational health and safety risks: A qualitative review

“…As an example, related to NERs, we have seen how COVID-19 increased home office work (change in work environment), which in turn accelerated digitalization (how work is done), that in turn introduced new negative effects on the individual, such as stress and reduction in job satisfaction. Likewise, we are expecting to see how the climate change initiates new hazards for OHS for instance through extreme weather conditions, increased UV ration and pollution levels and by introducing new infectious diseases [78,79]. The integration of AI applications and tools in workplaces (changes in work tools and tasks) exacerbates psychosocial OHS risks, as it may lead to increased monitoring and tracking (organizational changes).…”

Bibliometric analysis highlighting the role of women in addressing climate change challenges and achieving sustainable development goals for greener future

“…In addition to its direct effects on health, climate change also has indirect effects on health through disruptions in food sources and lower economic productivity, as well as changes in infectious diseases and environmental hazards [3]. Further research and interventions are required to mitigate the risks associated with climate change, as outdoor workers are especially susceptible to these hazards [4]. For instance, the public health system in the United States is not equipped to guard against the health risks posed by climate change, which emphasizes the need for more funding and legislative authority [5].…”