Occupational Heat Research Articles

Extreme heat and work injuries in Kuwait’s hot summers

BackgroundHot, desert Gulf countries are host to millions of migrant workers doing outdoor jobs such as construction and hospitality. The Gulf countries apply a summertime ban on midday work to...

Overexertion and heat stress in the fire service: a new conceptual framework.

From the year 2000, the United States Fire Administration (USFA) has been recording all line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Stress or overexertion caused 1096 out of 2598 total line-of-duty deaths in the United States from 2000 to 2021. Those deaths due to stress or overexertion were further classified as myocardial infarction (90%), cerebrovascular accident (6.8%), other (2.6%), and heat exhaustion (0.6%). Environmental heat exposure is a concern in firefighting, as firefighters work in extreme conditions, such as high ambient temperatures, while wearing protective clothing. Heat stress is not only hazardous to the cardiovascular system, but may accentuate muscle fatigue and overexertion. In addition, overexertion itself is related to increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, usually to the lower extremities. Further, there is a strong physiological mechanistic link to suggest that the increased occupational heat exposure and thermoregulatory strain firefighters experience may be a stressor that increases the risk of injuries. This commentary hopes to show the need for further research on the effects of occupational exposures and physiological strain in the fire service.

Heat stress and heat strain among outdoor workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua

BackgroundThere is growing attention on occupational heat stress in Central America, as workers in this region are affected by a unique form of chronic kidney disease. Previous studies have examined wet bulb globe temperatures and estimated metabolic rates to assess heat stress, but there are limited data characterizing heat strain among these workers.ObjectiveThe aims were to characterize heat stress and heat strain and examine whether job task, break duration, hydration practices, and kidney function were associated with heat strain.MethodsWe used data from the MesoAmerican Nephropathy Occupational Study, a cohort of 569 outdoor workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua who underwent workplace exposure monitoring, including continuous measurement of core body temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), physical activity, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), over the course of three days in January 2018 - May 2018. Participants represented five industries: sugarcane, corn, plantain, brickmaking, and construction.ResultsMedian WBGTs were relatively high (>27 °C) at most sites, particularly when work shifts spanned the afternoon hours (e.g., 29.2 °C among plantain workers). Sugarcane workers, especially cane cutters in both countries and Nicaraguan agrichemical applicators, had the highest estimated metabolic rates (medians: 299–318 kcal/hr). Most workers spent little time on break (<10% of the shift), as determined by physical activity data. Overall, sugarcane workers—particularly those in Nicaragua—experienced the highest Tc and HR values. However, a few workers in other industries reached high Tc (>39 °C) as well. Impaired kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 mL/min/1.73 m2) was associated with higher Tc and HR values, even after adjustment.SignificanceThis is the largest study to-date examining heat stress and strain among outdoor workers in Central America. Workers at sugar companies regularly experienced Tc > 38°C (76.9% of monitored person-days at Nicaraguan companies; 46.5% at Salvadoran companies). Workers with impaired kidney function had higher measures of Tc and HR.Impact statementThis study examined levels of occupational heat stress and heat strain experienced among outdoor workers in five industries in El Salvador and Nicaragua. We characterized heat stress using wet bulb globe temperatures and estimated metabolic rate and heat strain using core body temperature and heart rate. Sugarcane workers, particularly cane cutters and Nicaraguan agrichemical applicators, performed more strenuous work and experienced greater levels of heat strain. Impaired kidney function was associated with higher heart rates and core body temperatures.

Occupational hazards under a warmer planet: A cross-sectional study on occupational dermatitis, musculoskeletal disorders, and heat strain score index among construction workers at Kottayam, Kerala

Abstract Background: Global climate change has a major impact on occupational health. Construction workers are the most vulnerable group to work under a warmer planet. Potential health consequences to them include occupational skin diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory problems, cancers, mental health disorders, and infectious diseases. The incidence of occupational dermatitis and work-related musculoskeletal diseases is at its peak. This study aimed to bring out the burden of the above-mentioned occupational diseases among construction workers at Kottayam and also to calculate their heat strain score index as they are the most vulnerable group to work under a warmer planet. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of work related occupational dermatitis and musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers and also to calculate their heat strain score index. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 82 (n = 82) construction workers in Kottayam, Kerala. Purposive sampling was done. Validated, standard questionnaires were used to collect data by interview method, followed by clinical examination. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Results: Eighty-two construction workers participated in the present study. A total of 62% were migrants, and 38% were Keralites. Among 82 workers, nine (11%) of them reported having hand eczema and eight of them (9.8%) reported having wrist eczema. Neck pain (18.3%) and low back ache (18.3%) were the most common musculoskeletal symptoms. Heat strain score index of the workers was calculated. A total of 69.5% were in the green zone, 28% were in the yellow zone, and 2.5% were in the red zone. Conclusion: Construction workers are highly exposed to the risk of getting work-related occupational dermatitis and musculoskeletal disorders. The most common occupational skin complaint among these construction workers was itchy rash (12.2%). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 51.2%. Neck pain and low backache were the most common musculoskeletal symptoms. On the calculation of heat strain score index, these workers were found to have a higher heat strain score index. A total of 28% in the yellow/alarm zone and 2.5% in the red/danger zone. Statistically significant association was established between the intensity of physical work (P = 0.0001) and the intensity of thirst (P = 0.001) with the total heat strain score.

Occupant Heating Patterns of Low-Temperature Air-to-Air Heat Pumps in Rural Areas during Different Heating Periods

Understanding the actual heating patterns of air-to-air heat pumps (AAHP) in rural areas is crucial for energy planning and clean-heating policy optimization. To explore the influence of outdoor climate change on occupants’ heating patterns when using AAHPs in rural areas, the heating season was classified into three periods: the early heating period (EH), the mid heating period (MH), and the late heating period (LH). The investigation was conducted in rural areas of northern China, and indoor environmental parameters were measured from December 2021 to March 2022. Occupants completed household questionnaires about their heating habits before heating and phone interviews at the end of heating. This paper proposes clustering analysis to identify the AAHP heating pattern in rural areas. The results revealed four typical heating patterns of AAHP utilization. Occupant heating behaviors were dominated by the outdoor temperature fluctuation. In particular, during the mid heating period, the heating operation time periods and the heating duration were longer than that of other heating periods. Moreover, the heating patterns in living rooms were different from that in bedrooms. Room occupancy had an impact on household heating demands. These results could provide guidance for energy planning and the development of clean heating policy in the rural area.

Elevations in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor following occupational heat stress are not influenced by age or common chronic disease

ABSTRACT With global warming, workers are increasingly exposed to strenuous occupations in hot environments. Given age- and disease-associated declines in thermoregulatory function, older workers are at an elevated risk of developing heat-related injuries. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is thought to confer neuroprotection during acute exercise, however, the influence of environmental heat on BDNF responses during prolonged work remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated serum BDNF concentrations before and after 180 min of moderate-intensity treadmill walking (200 W/m2) and after 60 min of post-exercise recovery in temperate (wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) 16°C) and hot (WBGT 32°C) environments in 13 healthy young men (mean [SD; 22 [3] years), 12 healthy older men (59 [4] years), 10 men with hypertension (HTN) (60 [4] years), and 9 men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (60 [5] years). In the temperate condition, all but one participant (1 HTN) completed the 180 min of exercise. While exercise tolerance in the heat was lower in older men with HTN (117 min [45]) and T2D (123 min [42]) compared to healthy older men (159 min [31]) (both p ≤ 0.049), similar end-exercise rectal temperatures (38.9°C [0.4]) were observed across groups, paralleled by similar elevations in serum BDNF across groups at end-exercise (+1106 pg/mL [203]) and end-recovery (+938 pg/mL [146]; all p ≤ 0.01) in the heat. No changes in serum BDNF were observed in the temperate condition. Our findings indicate similar BDNF responses in individuals with HTN or T2D compared to their healthy counterparts, despite exhibiting reduced tolerance to heat.

Association of occupational heat exposure and colorectal cancer in the MCC-Spain study.

Heat exposure and heat stress/strain is a concern for many workers. There is increasing interest in potential chronic health effects of occupational heat exposure, including cancer risk. We examined potential associations of occupational heat exposure and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in a large Spanish multi-case--control study. We analyzed data on 1198 histologically confirmed CRC cases and 2690 frequency-matched controls. The Spanish job-exposure matrix, MatEmEsp, was used to assign heat exposure estimates to the lifetime occupations of participants. Three exposure indices were assessed: ever versus never exposed, cumulative exposure and duration (years). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using unconditional logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Overall, there was no association of ever, compared with never, occupational heat exposure and CRC (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92-1.29). There were also no associations observed according to categories of cumulative exposure or duration, and there was no evidence for a trend. There was no clear association of ever occupational heat exposure and CRC in analysis conducted among either men or women when analyzed separately. Positive associations were observed among women in the highest categories of cumulative exposure (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09-3.03) and duration (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.50-5.59) as well as some evidence for a trend (P<0.05). Overall, this study provides no clear evidence for an association between occupational heat exposure and CRC.

Limitations associated with thermoregulation and cardiovascular research assessing laborers performing work in the heat.

To quantify the current literature and limitations associated with research examining thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain in laborers working in the heat. PubMed, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus were searched for terms related to the cardiovascular system, heat stress, and physical work. Qualifying studies included adult participants (18-65 years old), a labor-intensive environment or exercise protocol simulating a labor environment, a minimum duration of 120 min of physical work, and environmental heat stress (ambient temperature ≥26.0°C and ≥30% relative humidity). Studies included at least one of the following outcomes: pre- and peakphysical work, core temperature, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HR variability, and rate pressure product. Twenty-one out of 1559 potential studies qualified from our search. There was a total of 598 participants (mean = 28 ± 50 participants per study, range = 4-238 participants per study), which included 51 females (8.5%) and 547 males (91.5%). Of the participants, 3.8% had cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes: n = 10; hypertension: n = 13)and 96.2% were characterized as "healthy". Fifty-seven percentof the included studies were performed in a laboratory setting. Studies were predominantly in men (91.5%), laboratory settings (57%), and "healthy" individuals (96.2%). To advance equity in protection against occupational heat stress and better inform future heat safety recommendations to protect all workers, future studies must focus on addressing these limitations. Employers, supervisors, and other safety stakeholders should consider these limitations while implementing current heat safety recommendations.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for the Summertime in the Period 2000–2021 in Slovenia: The Implication of Heat Stress for Agricultural Workers

Due to climate change crisis, the risk of occupational heat stress for agricultural workers has recently increased. The temporal and spatial biometeorological conditions in different climatic regions of Slovenia during summer were analyzed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), and additionally the water loss index (SW) and the accepted level of physical activity (MHR). Term values of air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed at 10 m and cloud cover at 14:00 CEST were used as input for the BioKlima 2.6 software package and were retrieved from the Slovenian Environment Agency for the summer months in the period 2000–2021. The rise in the average UTCI values was shown to be positive and statistically significant for summer (0.7 °C/decade) as well as for all three months, the highest being for June (0.9 °C/decade). The percentage of summer days during 2000–2021 that were under strong or very strong heat stress varied widely by location, ranging from one-third to more than one-half. Average monthly UTCI values at 14:00 CEST were the highest in July, reaching 30 °C in a submediterranean climate, Črnomelj is the only station with this average higher than 32 °C. Daily highest UTCI value was 47 °C (Črnomelj). It was shown that conditions in the middle of a hot summer day are not suitable for moderate or severe agricultural workloads.

Characteristics of Occupational Environmental Heat Injuries/Illnesses: Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, 2011 to 2019.

This study describes the characteristics of workers experiencing occupational heat-related injuries/illnesses in the United States and explores the associations between states' average annual temperatures and heat-related injury/illness rates. The number and rate of occupational environmental heat injuries/illnesses were calculated according to age group, gender, race/ethnicity, occupation group, and state from 2011 to 2019. Injury/illness rates were higher among Black and Hispanic workers. Workers in farming, fishing, and forestry; installation, maintenance, and repair; and construction/extraction occupations had the highest rates. There was a positive correlation between states' average annual temperatures and heat-related injury/illness rates. There are demographic and occupational disparities in occupational environmental heat-related injuries/illnesses in the United States and a correlation between these injuries/illnesses and state average annual temperatures. There is a need for policies and other interventions to protect workers from occupational environmental heat injuries/illnesses.

Outdoor work: past, present, and future on occupational heat exposure

Resumo Considerando as mudanças climáticas e o impacto das temperaturas elevadas na saúde humana, especialmente devido ao aquecimento global, são relevantes as ações de prevenção ao calor voltadas aos trabalhadores que laboram a céu aberto. Neste ensaio, são apresentados resultados de recentes pesquisas, bem como destacadas inovações tecnológicas para monitoramento do calor no Brasil. Também são expostas reflexões sobre o futuro do trabalho a céu aberto diante das mudanças climáticas. O trabalho a céu aberto é em geral caracterizado por atividades pesadas, que geram elevado calor metabólico. Contudo, são escassos os esforços no campo da Saúde e Segurança do Trabalho para a busca de alternativas que minimizem ou eliminem os efeitos do calor para os trabalhadores. Além disso, as alternativas de proteção dos trabalhadores são reduzidas. O Monitor IBUTG é apresentado como inovação tecnológica de monitoramento remoto do calor em ambiente a céu aberto. Apesar das medidas de controle previstas em lei para proteção dos trabalhadores submetidos ao calor, em razão do aquecimento global, serão necessários intervenções inovadoras e controles especiais da exposição ao calor nos ambientes externos. Portanto, é desejável maior empenho na produção de conhecimento com vistas a fomentar a elaboração ou o aprimoramento de políticas públicas.

Group Outcomes for Time-Weighted Averaging in WBGT-Based Heat Stress Exposure Assessment.

The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based occupational exposure limits (OELs) were developed from steady exposures to heat stress at constant WBGT and metabolic rate (M). The exposure limits were based on compensable heat stress exposures at the upper limit of the prescriptive zone for most healthy people. Professional practice allows for using time-weighted averages (TWAs) of WBGT and M to account for heterogeneous heat stress exposures. The purpose of the current paper was to report on the effectiveness of time-weighted averaging to assess occupational heat stress using published studies. Our hypothesis was using TWA-WBGT and TWA-M was as protective as the recommended OELs for steady exposures. The current paper reports on 62 observations of work that alternate between at least two heat stress conditions (usually work and recovery) reported in 16 papers. The TWA-WBGT and TWA-M were determined for all observations. ΔLimit was the observed TWA-WBGT minus the exposure limit at the TWA-M based on acclimatization state. The observations were then classified as above or below ΔLimit = 0. Each observation was also classified as uncompensable if the mean core temperature for the group was greater than 38°C or a less tolerant individual was above 38.5°C. When comparing exposure classifications to outcome classifications using 2 × 2 tables, the sensitivity and specificity for all observations were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively. The sensitivity was much less than the expected value near 1.0, and the large difference called into question the ability of TWAs to represent actual heat stress. There was some suspicion that there were differences between acclimatized and unacclimatized observations. Before any of these findings are embedded in policy or practice, a more careful evaluation of TWAs is required. In conclusion, we believe that the use of TWAs for heat stress analysis was not fully evaluated, and we proposed a framework for evaluation.

Cardiovascular responses to orthostasis during a simulated 3-day heatwave

Global warming has caused an increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of summer heatwaves (HWs). Prolonged exposure to hot environments and orthostasis may cause conflicting demands of thermoregulation and blood pressure regulation on the vasomotor system, potentially contributing to cardiovascular complications and occupational heat strain. This study assessed cardiovascular and skin blood flow (SkBF) responses to orthostasis before, during and after a 3-day simulated HW. Seven male participants maintained a standard work/rest schedule for nine consecutive days split into three 3-day parts; thermoneutral pre-HW (25.4 °C), simulated HW (35.4 °C), thermoneutral post-HW. Gastrointestinal (Tgi) and skin (Tsk) temperatures, cardiovascular responses, and SkBF were monitored during 10-min supine and 10-min 60° head-up tilt (HUT). SkBF, indexed using proximal–distal skin temperature gradient (∆TskP-D), was validated using Laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF). The HW significantly increased heart rate, cardiac output and SkBF of the leg in supine; HUT increased SkBF of the arm and leg, and significantly affected all cardiovascular variables besides cardiac output. Significant regional differences in SkBF presented between the arm and leg in all conditions; the arm displaying vasodilation throughout, while the leg vasoconstricted in non-HW before shifting to vasodilation in the HW. Additionally, ∆TskP-D strongly correlated with LDF (r = −.78, p < 0.001). Prolonged HW exposure and orthostasis, individually, elicited significant changes in cardiovascular and SkBF variables. Additionally, varying regional blood flow responses were observed, suggesting the upper and lower vasculature receives differing vasomotor control. Combined cardiovascular alterations and shifts towards vasodilation indicate an increased challenge to industrial workers during HWs.

Occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk: A pooled analysis of case-control studies

BackgroundHeat exposures occur in many occupations. Heat has been linked to key carcinogenic processes, however, evidence for associations with cancer risk is sparse. We examined potential associations between occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk in a multi-country study. MethodsWe analysed a large, pooled dataset of 3142 histologically confirmed prostate cancer cases and 3512 frequency-matched controls from three countries: Canada, France, and Spain. Three exposure indices: ever exposure, lifetime cumulative exposure and duration of exposure, were developed using the Finnish Job-Exposure Matrix, FINJEM, applied to the lifetime occupational history of participants. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using conditional logistic regression models stratified by 5-year age groups and study, adjusting for potential confounders. Potential interactions with exposure to other occupational agents were also explored. ResultsOverall, we found no association for ever occupational heat exposure (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.87, 1.09), nor in the highest categories of lifetime cumulative exposure (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.89, 1.23) or duration (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.88, 1.22). When using only the Spanish case-control study and a Spanish Job Exposure Matrix (JEM), some weakly elevated ORs were observed. ConclusionsFindings from this study provide no clear evidence for an association between occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk.

Occupational heat exposure alone does not explain chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

• The association of occupational heat exposure with CKDu remains debated. • kidney function of individuals in three occupational groups, farmers, fisherfolk and plantation workers in Sri Lanka was assessed. • CKDu risk was lowest in occupational group with highest heat exposure. • CKDu risk was higher among farmers and workers with low to moderate heat exposure. • Heat stress does not appear to be the main driver of CKDu. Chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) is an emerging health concern in tropical farming communities. The role ofoccupational heat exposure as a potential driver of CKDu remains debated. Our study examines occupational heat exposure kidney health in three occupational groups in Sri Lanka. We recruited participants from three occupational groups from three climatic zones; fisherfolk from the dry and intermediate zones (N=225), paddy farmers from the intermediate zone (N=180) and tea plantation workers from the wet zone (N=70). Serum creatinine, cystatin-C, urea and uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio were used as diagnostic criteria of renal impairment. CKDu susceptibility was at the highest among farmers (13.33%), with a significant differentce compared to the fisherfolk (5.36%; p=0.0003). Among the plantation workers, CKDu susceptibility was 5.71%, and it was not significantly different compared to the farmers (p=0.087) and the fisherfolk (p=0.427). Despite higher exposure to heat stress and dehydration, as indicated by the highest simplified wet bulb globe temperature (sWBGT) in the work environments, fisherfolk reported the lowest CKDu susceptibility, while farmers and workers with low to moderate heat exposure showed an increased incidence of abnormal renal function. Further, a multivariable regression analysis identified a significant effect of occupation (p=0.005), agrochemical exposure (p=0.001) and age (p=0.001) on the likelihood of CKDu susceptibility while the sWBGT in the working environments showed no significant effect (p=0.227). With the evidence from our findings, heat exposure alone does not appear to be the leading driver of CKDu in Sri Lanka, suggesting that the nephropathy is more likely to be associated with occupational risks such as agrochemical exposures.

Heat flexibility evaluation and multi-objective optimized control of a low-energy building with district heating

Along with the increasing application of the renewable energy in the energy systems, the future energy system will be more stochastic and fluctuated. Therefore, it is of great importance to effectively coordinate the energy supply and demand side considering their different dynamic characteristics. This study analyzes the impact of the integrated energy flexibility from the building mass and the storage tank on the heating system operation for a low-energy building connected to district heating (DH). According to the actual room occupancy and dynamic heat price, the strategy to unlock the energy flexibility is developed and optimized. The detailed thermal performance of the system is simulated by Modelica models. Compared to the reference case, the integrated energy flexibility is helpful to make better use of the low-price heat. Moreover, a variety of quantification indices were developed to evaluate the flexibility and rebound effect. The results show that the fully charged thermal mass of the low-energy building can help maintain the comfort indoor temperature for up to 43 h. Combined with the storage tank, the heat flexibility potential of the case building reaches 78 kWh and saves 1.1 DKK of the daily heat cost with the optimized heating strategy compared to the reference scenario. Moreover, the flexibility factor is improved by shifting the peak heat load to the low-price period.

Occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk: a pooled analysis of case-control studies

Background and aim: Heat exposures occur frequently in many indoor and outdoor occupations. In our previous work, we observed some evidence for a positive association of occupational heat exposure and breast cancer risk. Here we seek to examine potential associations with prostate cancer risk in a large multi-country study. Methods: We performed a pooled analysis of data from 3,175 histologically confirmed prostate cancer cases and 3,529 frequency-matched controls from studies in three different countries, Spain, France, and Canada. The Finnish job exposure matrix, FINJEM, was used to apply estimates of occupational heat exposure to the lifetime occupational history of participants. Three main exposure indices were used: ever vs. never exposed, lifetime cumulative exposure (heat stress years) and duration of exposure (years) with a lag period of 5 years. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using conditional logistic regression models stratified by 5-year age groups and study and adjusted for potential confounders. Results: A total of 32% of cases and 33% of controls were classified as being ever occupationally exposed to heat. Highest heat exposed occupations included ore and metal furnace operators, firefighters, and bakers. We found no evidence for an association of ever occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.83, 1.03). There were also no associations observed in the highest categories of lifetime cumulative exposure or duration, and there was no evidence for a trend. Results did not change when stratifying by Gleason scores. When analysing the Spanish case-control study separately using a Spanish job exposure matrix developed for local working conditions, some odds ratios were elevated, though results were imprecise. Conclusions: Findings from this pooled study have provided no strong evidence for an association between occupational heat exposure and prostate cancer risk. Keywords: prostate cancer, occupational exposures, heat, pooled analysis

Association of summertime daily mean temperature and sick leaves among employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Heat affects work productivity and well-being at work. People working outdoors are the most vulnerable to heat-related health issues that may cause absenteeism from work. However, the phenomenon concerns indoor workers without sufficient air conditioning as well. Previous studies concerning occupational heat stress have concentrated on health effects, the incidence of heat-related illness, preventative measures, and productivity losses. Correlation between heat waves and sickness related work absenteeism rates has not been studied. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the relationship of daily summertime temperatures and heatwaves with sick leaves rates among employees of Helsinki City, Finland. METHODS We used Poisson time series models adjusted for potential confounders, such as time trend, air pollution, pollen, and barometric pressure to investigate the associations of daily temperature with daily rates of new sick leaves. Daily number of sick leaves for May-August 2002-2017 was obtained from the Helsinki City employee register and daily weather information from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. RESULTS Daily mean temperature ranged from 1.5 &amp;#xb0;C to 26.6 &amp;#xb0;C during the warm season. Preliminary results indicate that increased daily mean temperature is associated with decreased risk of sick leaves at lag 0 and lags 2-5. At 1 day lag, increased daily mean temperature is associated with decreased risk of sick leaves until the daily mean temperature exceeds 24 &amp;#xb0;C after which the risk begins to increase. Risk ratio [RR] is 1.003 at 26 &amp;#xb0;C compared to 24 &amp;#xb0;C. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results indicate that increased daily summertime mean temperature is mostly associated with decreased daily sick leave rate. However, our preliminary analyzes suggest that there may be an increase in daily sick leave rate at 1 day lag when daily mean temperature exceeds a threshold. In further analysis, the effect of prolonged heatwaves will be evaluated. KEYWORDS occupational health, heat

Occupational heat stress induced renal health impacts – A field study on outdoor workers in Southern India

Occupational heat stress induced renal health impacts – A field study on outdoor workers in Southern India

Potential Impacts of Different Occupational Outdoor Heat Exposure Thresholds among Washington State Crop and Construction Workers and Implications for Other Jurisdictions.

Occupational heat exposure is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among outdoor workers. We sought to descriptively evaluate spatiotemporal variability in heat threshold exceedances and describe potential impacts of these exposures for crop and construction workers. We also present general considerations for approaching heat policy-relevant analyses. We analyzed county-level 2011–2020 monthly employment (Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages) and environmental exposure (Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM)) data for Washington State (WA), USA, crop (North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 111 and 1151) and construction (NAICS 23) sectors. Days exceeding maximum daily temperature thresholds, averaged per county, were linked with employment estimates to generate employment days of exceedances. We found spatiotemporal variability in WA temperature threshold exceedances and crop and construction employment. Maximum temperature exceedances peaked in July and August and were most numerous in Central WA counties. Counties with high employment and/or high numbers of threshold exceedance days, led by Yakima and King Counties, experienced the greatest total employment days of exceedances. Crop employment contributed to the largest proportion of total state-wide employment days of exceedances with Central WA counties experiencing the greatest potential workforce burden of exposure. Considerations from this analysis can help inform decision-making regarding thresholds, timing of provisions for heat rules, and tailoring of best practices in different industries and areas.