Advancing the framework for considering the effects of climate change on worker safety and health

Abstract

In 2009, a preliminary framework for how climate change could affect worker safety and health was described. That framework was based on a literature search from 1988–2008 that supported seven categories of climate-related occupational hazards: (1) increased ambient temperature; (2) air pollution; (3) ultraviolet exposure; (4) extreme weather; (5) vector-borne diseases and expanded habitats; (6) industrial transitions and emerging industries; and (7) changes in the built environment. This paper reviews the published literature from 2008–2014 in each of the seven categories. Additionally, three new topics related to occupational safety and health are considered: mental health effects, economic burden, and potential work safety and health impacts associated with the nascent field of climate intervention (geoengineering). Beyond updating the literature, the paper also identifies key priorities for action to better characterize and understand how occupational safety and health may be associated with climate change events and ensure that worker health and safety issues are anticipated, recognized, evaluated, and mitigated. These key priorities include research, surveillance, risk assessment, risk management, and policy development. Strong evidence indicates that climate change will continue to present occupational safety and health hazards, and this framework may be a useful tool for preventing adverse effects to workers.

Evaluation of the impact of heat stress on the occurrence of occupational injuries: Meta‐analysis of observational studies

“…The interest in the impact of heat‐related events on workers’ health and safety has recently increased. Studies have demonstrated that intense and prolonged occupational exposure to elevated temperatures has been associated with health effects, such as dehydration and spasms, increased fatigue, and reduced productivity . The increased risk of workplace injuries may be the consequence of sweaty palms, fogged‐up safety glasses, dizziness, and reduced cognitive performance .…”

Classification of Heat‐Related Illness Symptoms Among Florida Farmworkers

“…This number is most likely underestimated given that criteria to determine heat‐related deaths vary by state (CDC, ) and heat exposure may not be recorded as the primary cause of death (Berko, Ingram, Saha, & Parker, , July 30; Leigh, Du, & McCurdy, ; Oberlin, Tubery, Cances‐Lauwers, Ecoiffier, & Lauque, ; Ostro, Roth, Green, & Basu, ). Increasing ambient temperatures resulting from climate change are a recognized climate‐related occupational hazard (Schulte et al., ) and have profound effects on human health (Perera, ). Average surface temperatures have been rising since 1901, with the past decade (2006–2015) being the warmest ever recorded (Environmental Protection Agency, ).…”

“…Average surface temperatures have been rising since 1901, with the past decade (2006–2015) being the warmest ever recorded (Environmental Protection Agency, ). Populations most adversely impacted by HRI include the elderly, children, low‐income, and outdoor workers, including farmworkers (Balbus & Malina, ; Schulte et al., ). Farmworkers’ risk for heat‐related death is nearly 20 times greater than that of other outdoor workers (Centers for Disease & Prevention, ).…”

Intersecting vulnerabilities: Climatic and demographic contributions to future population exposure to Aedes-borne viruses in the United States

“…Aedes mosquitoes are primarily daytime biters and prefer to take blood meals after sunrise and in late afternoon, although at least one study has shown that they will bite in the evening under artificial lights (Chadee & Martinez, 2000). Groups more likely to be exposed to Aedes bites include children (more likely to play outside) and outdoor workers (Bennett & McMichael, 2010, Schulte et al, 2016. Those who tend to have homes that are more permeable (e.g., open windows instead of air conditioning and broken window screens) are also more likely to receive mosquito bites (Radke et al, 2012, Reiter et al, 2003.…”