A new report from the U.S. Global Change Research Program -- a multi-agency group -- is documenting the health risks to workers from climate change. According to NIOSH, the report, released last week, shows that climate change may increase the severity and prevalence of known occupational hazards, as well as the development of new hazards.
Most at risk are outdoor workers, which includes agriculture workers, commercial fishermen, construction workers, transportation workers, and first responders. Workers in hot indoor environments such as warehouses and factories are also at risk.
“The risk workers face from climate change includes working in hotter temperatures and the possibility of longer spans of hot days for outdoor work. These kinds of exposures can cause heat related illnesses, as well as stress and fatigue which can put workers at risk for injury. Workers may also have less control over their exposures to climate change related risks than the general public,” NIOSH says.
But despite increased risk of higher heat exposures, NIOSH recently decided to retain its current standards to limit heat exposures, though the agency is planning two new research areas: the effects of climate change on workers and how heat stress affects the toxic response to chemicals.