Heat‐related deaths among construction workers in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundHeat is a severe hazard for construction workers and may be worsening with global warming. This study sought to explore heat‐related deaths among U.S. construction workers and a possible association with climate change.MethodsHeat‐related deaths in the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries from 1992 to 2016 were analyzed. Denominators estimated from the Current Population Survey were matched with demographic and occupational categories in rate calculations. Statistical tests were used to examine heat‐related deaths in relation to time, geographic region, and temperature.ResultsConstruction workers, comprising 6% of the total workforce, accounted for 36% (n = 285) of all occupational heat‐related deaths from 1992 to 2016 in the U.S. Mean temperatures from June to August increased gradually over the study period. Increasing summer temperatures from 1997 to 2016 were associated with higher heat‐related death rates (r = 0.649; 95% confidence interval: 0.290, 0.848). Compared to all construction workers (risk index = 1), statistically significant elevated risk of heat‐related death was found among Hispanics (1.21), in particular workers born in Mexico (1.91). Occupations with a high risk index included cement masons (10.80), roofers (6.93), helpers (6.87), brick masons (3.33), construction laborers (1.93) and heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics (1.60).ConclusionsU.S. construction workers are at a high risk of heat‐related death, and this risk has increased with climate change over time. Effective workplace interventions, enhanced surveillance, and improved regulations and enforcement should accompany broader efforts to combat global warming. The construction industry can help reduce global warming through increased implementation of green building principles.

Accuracy of Algorithm to Non-Invasively Predict Core Body Temperature Using the Kenzen Wearable Device

“…As climate change is not only increasing average temperatures globally, but also the frequency of extreme heat events [ 1 ], an increasing number of workers (e.g., military, construction, agriculture, etc.) will be exposed to these hotter temperatures on a more frequent basis [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Workers experience a 2% loss in productivity for each 1 °C increase in wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) ≥ 24 °C [ 6 ], and in addition to productivity losses, the number of heat-related injuries and illnesses at job sites is on the rise.…”

Occupational heat exposure and the risk of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional origin in the United States

“…First, we were surprised by the lack of studies on construction workers given the physical demands and the long exposures to thermal radiation. This population warrants further investigation given that construction workers account for 36% of all heat-related deaths in the United States (76) and that albuminuria associated with construction work has been reported in other countries (77). Second, despite the US OSHA recognizing that mail/package delivery workers are exposed to occupational heat stress, our literature search did not reveal any studies in this population.…”

Salud laboral desde los servicios de la administración sanitaria: las oportunidades de la “perspectiva laboral” para el ejercicio de la salud pública

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