Occupational hazards and climate
Climate-related occupational hazards have historically received little attention. In 2009, NIOSH began work to address this gap and developed a framework to identify climate-related occupational hazards. Recently, NIOSH investigators published new work in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. Based on a review and assessment of the peer-reviewed literature from 2008–2014, the article updates the original framework and identifies key priorities in research, surveillance, risk assessment, and policy development.
The updated framework identifies seven climate-related occupational hazards:
- Increased ambient temperatures
- Air pollution
- Ultraviolet radiation exposure
- Extreme weather
- Vector-borne diseases and expanded habitats
- Industrial transitions and emerging industries
- Changes in the built environment.
Why is climate such a risk for workers?
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