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Gibb K, Beckman S, Vergara XP, Heinzerling A, Harrison R. Extreme Heat and Occupational Health Risks. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:315-335. [PMID: 38166501 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060222-034715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant occupational health hazard. Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are expected to cause increasing heat-related morbidity and mortality for workers across the globe. Agricultural, construction, military, firefighting, mining, and manufacturing workers are at particularly high risk for heat-related illness (HRI). Various factors, including ambient temperatures, personal protective equipment, work arrangements, physical exertion, and work with heavy equipment may put workers at higher risk for HRI. While extreme heat will impact workers across the world, workers in low- and middle-income countries will be disproportionately affected. Tracking occupational HRI will be critical to informing prevention and mitigation strategies. Renewed investment in these strategies, including workplace heat prevention programs and regulatory standards for indoor and outdoor workers, will be needed. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in order to successfully reduce the risk of HRI in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Gibb
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Stella Beckman
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | | | - Amy Heinzerling
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Robert Harrison
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
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Morrissey-Basler MC, Brewer GJ, Anderson T, Adams WM, Navarro JS, Marcelino M, Martin DG, Casa DJ. The effect of heat mitigation strategies on thermoregulation and productivity during simulated occupational work in the heat in physically active young men. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 5:1274141. [PMID: 38274034 PMCID: PMC10808760 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1274141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate heat stress mitigation strategies on productivity and thermoregulatory responses during simulated occupational work in the heat. Methods Thirteen physically active men (age, 25 ± 4 years; body mass,77.8 ± 14.7 kg; VO2peak, 44.5 ± 9.2 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed five randomized-controlled trials in a hot environment (40°C, 40% relative humidity). Each trial was 4.5 h in duration to simulate an outdoor occupational shift. Thermoregulatory responses (heart rate, HR; rectal temperature, Trec; mean skin temperature, Tsk), perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion, RPE; thermal sensation; thermal comfort; fatigue) and productivity outcomes (box lifting repetitions, time to exhaustion) were examined in the following heat mitigation strategy interventions: (1) simulated solar radiation with limited fluid intake [SUN]; (2) simulated solar radiation with no fluid restrictions [SUN + H2O]; (3) shade (no simulated solar radiation during trial) with no fluid restrictions [SHADE + H2O]; (4) shade and cooling towels during rest breaks with no fluid restrictions [COOL + H2O]; and (5) shade with cooling towels, cooling vest during activity with no fluid restrictions [COOL + VEST + H2O]. Results [COOL + VEST + H2O] had lower Trec compared to [SUN] [p = 0.004, effect size(ES) = 1.48], [SUN + H2O] (p < 0.001, ES = -1.87), and [SHADE + H2O] (p = 0.001, ES = 1.62). Average Tsk was lower during the treadmill and box lifting activities in the [COOL + VEST + H2O] compared to [SUN] (p < 0.001, ES = 7.92), [SUN + H2O] (p < 0.001,7.96), [SHADE + H2O] (p < 0.001), and [COOL + H2O] (p < 0.001, ES = 3.01). There were performance differences during the [COOL + VEST + H2O] (p = 0.033) and [COOL + H2O] (p = 0.023) conditions compared to [SUN] during phases of the experimental trial, however, there were no differences in total box lifting repetitions between trials (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that during a simulated occupational shift in a laboratory setting, additional heat mitigation strategies ([COOL + VEST + H2O] and [COOL + H2O]) reduced physiological strain and improved box lifting performance to a greater degree than [SUN]. These differences may have been attributed to a larger core to skin temperature gradient or reduction in fatigue, thermal sensation, and RPE during [COOL + H2O] and [COOL + VEST + H2O]. These data suggest that body cooling, hydration, and "shade" (removal of simulated radiant heat) as heat stress mitigation strategies should be considered as it reduces physiological strain while producing no additional harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Morrissey-Basler
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Health Sciences, Providence College, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Gabrielle J. Brewer
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Travis Anderson
- Department of Sports Medicine, UnitedStates Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
- UnitedStates Coalition for the Prevention of Illness and Injury in Sport, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - William M. Adams
- Department of Sports Medicine, UnitedStates Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
- UnitedStates Coalition for the Prevention of Illness and Injury in Sport, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - John S. Navarro
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Monique Marcelino
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - David G. Martin
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Brearley M, Berry R, Hunt AP, Pope R. A Systematic Review of Post-Work Core Temperature Cooling Rates Conferred by Passive Rest. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050695. [PMID: 37237510 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Physical work increases energy expenditure, requiring a considerable elevation of metabolic rate, which causes body heat production that can cause heat stress, heat strain, and hyperthermia in the absence of adequate cooling. Given that passive rest is often used for cooling, a systematic search of literature databases was conducted to identify studies that reported post-work core temperature cooling rates conferred by passive rest, across a range of environmental conditions. Data regarding cooling rates and environmental conditions were extracted, and the validity of key measures was assessed for each study. Forty-four eligible studies were included, providing 50 datasets. Eight datasets indicated a stable or rising core temperature in participants (range 0.000 to +0.028 °C min-1), and forty-two datasets reported reducing core temperature (-0.002 to -0.070 °C min-1) during passive rest, across a range of Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT). For 13 datasets where occupational or similarly insulative clothing was worn, passive rest resulted in a mean core temperature decrease of -0.004 °C min-1 (-0.032 to +0.013 °C min-1). These findings indicate passive rest does not reverse the elevated core temperatures of heat-exposed workers in a timely manner. Climate projections of higher WBGT are anticipated to further marginalise the passive rest cooling rates of heat-exposed workers, particularly when undertaken in occupational attire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Brearley
- Thermal Hyperformance, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
- National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Darwin, NT 0800, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
| | - Rachel Berry
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew P Hunt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- School of Allied Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4229, Australia
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Bedi NS, Adams QH, Hess JJ, Wellenius GA. The Role of Cooling Centers in Protecting Vulnerable Individuals from Extreme Heat. Epidemiology 2022; 33:611-615. [PMID: 35706096 PMCID: PMC9378433 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Quinn H. Adams
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy J. Hess
- University of Washington, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Global Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gregory A. Wellenius
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Conti A, Valente M, Paganini M, Farsoni M, Ragazzoni L, Barone-Adesi F. Knowledge Gaps and Research Priorities on the Health Effects of Heatwaves: A Systematic Review of Reviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105887. [PMID: 35627424 PMCID: PMC9140727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Although extreme weather events have played a constant role in human history, heatwaves (HWs) have become more frequent and intense in the past decades, causing concern especially in light of the increasing evidence on climate change. Despite the increasing number of reviews suggesting a relationship between heat and health, these reviews focus primarily on mortality, neglecting other important aspects. This systematic review of reviews gathered the available evidence from research syntheses conducted on HWs and health. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 2232 records were retrieved, and 283 reviews were ultimately included. Information was extracted from the papers and categorized by topics. Quantitative data were extracted from meta-analyses and, when not available, evidence was collected from systematic reviews. Overall, 187 reviews were non-systematic, while 96 were systematic, of which 27 performed a meta-analysis. The majority evaluated mortality, morbidity, or vulnerability, while the other topics were scarcely addressed. The following main knowledge gaps were identified: lack of a universally accepted definition of HW; scarce evidence on the HW-mental health relationship; no meta-analyses assessing the risk perception of HWs; scarcity of studies evaluating the efficacy of adaptation strategies and interventions. Future efforts should meet these priorities to provide high-quality evidence to stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conti
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.V.); (M.P.); (F.B.-A.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Martina Valente
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.V.); (M.P.); (F.B.-A.)
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Matteo Paganini
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.V.); (M.P.); (F.B.-A.)
| | - Marco Farsoni
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Luca Ragazzoni
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.V.); (M.P.); (F.B.-A.)
- Department of Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Barone-Adesi
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (M.V.); (M.P.); (F.B.-A.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
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Increased labor losses and decreased adaptation potential in a warmer world. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7286. [PMID: 34907184 PMCID: PMC8671389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Working in hot and potentially humid conditions creates health and well-being risks that will increase as the planet warms. It has been proposed that workers could adapt to increasing temperatures by moving labor from midday to cooler hours. Here, we use reanalysis data to show that in the current climate approximately 30% of global heavy labor losses in the workday could be recovered by moving labor from the hottest hours of the day. However, we show that this particular workshift adaptation potential is lost at a rate of about 2% per degree of global warming as early morning heat exposure rises to unsafe levels for continuous work, with worker productivity losses accelerating under higher warming levels. These findings emphasize the importance of finding alternative adaptation mechanisms to keep workers safe, as well as the importance of limiting global warming. Outdoor workers may need to adapt to warming by moving labor from midday to cooler hours. Here the authors find this adaptation strategy loses efficacy under additional climate change due to increased heat exposure in the coolest hours of the day.
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Morrissey MC, Brewer GJ, Williams WJ, Quinn T, Casa DJ. Impact of occupational heat stress on worker productivity and economic cost. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:981-988. [PMID: 34590324 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress is a growing concern in the occupational setting as it endangers worker health, safety, and productivity. Heat-related reductions in physical work capacity and missed workdays directly and indirectly cause productivity losses and may substantially affect the economic wellbeing of the organization. This review highlights the physiological, physical, psychological, and financial harms of heat stress on worker productivity and proposes strategies to quantify heat-related productivity losses. Heat stress produces a vicious-cycle feedback loop that result in adverse outcomes on worker health, safety, and productivity. We propose a theoretical model for implementing an occupational heat safety plan that disrupts this loop, preventing heat-related productivity losses while improving worker health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Morrissey
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Gabrielle J. Brewer
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
| | - Warren Jon Williams
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Tyler Quinn
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut USA
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Morrissey MC, Casa DJ, Brewer GJ, Adams WM, Hosokawa Y, Benjamin CL, Grundstein AJ, Hostler D, McDermott BP, McQuerry ML, Stearns RL, Filep EM, DeGroot DW, Fulcher J, Flouris AD, Huggins RA, Jacklitsch BL, Jardine JF, Lopez RM, McCarthy RB, Pitisladis Y, Pryor RR, Schlader ZJ, Smith CJ, Smith DL, Spector JT, Vanos JK, Williams WJ, Vargas NT, Yeargin SW. Heat Safety in the Workplace: Modified Delphi Consensus to Establish Strategies and Resources to Protect the US Workers. GEOHEALTH 2021; 5:e2021GH000443. [PMID: 34471788 PMCID: PMC8388206 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this consensus document was to develop feasible, evidence-based occupational heat safety recommendations to protect the US workers that experience heat stress. Heat safety recommendations were created to protect worker health and to avoid productivity losses associated with occupational heat stress. Recommendations were tailored to be utilized by safety managers, industrial hygienists, and the employers who bear responsibility for implementing heat safety plans. An interdisciplinary roundtable comprised of 51 experts was assembled to create a narrative review summarizing current data and gaps in knowledge within eight heat safety topics: (a) heat hygiene, (b) hydration, (c) heat acclimatization, (d) environmental monitoring, (e) physiological monitoring, (f) body cooling, (g) textiles and personal protective gear, and (h) emergency action plan implementation. The consensus-based recommendations for each topic were created using the Delphi method and evaluated based on scientific evidence, feasibility, and clarity. The current document presents 40 occupational heat safety recommendations across all eight topics. Establishing these recommendations will help organizations and employers create effective heat safety plans for their workplaces, address factors that limit the implementation of heat safety best-practices and protect worker health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Morrissey
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - Gabrielle J. Brewer
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - William M. Adams
- Department of KinesiologyUniversity of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboroNCUSA
| | - Yuri Hosokawa
- Faculty of Sports SciencesWaseda UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | | | | | - David Hostler
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesCenter for Research and Education in Special EnvironmentsBuffaloNYUSA
| | - Brendon P. McDermott
- Department of Health, Human Performance and RecreationUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
| | | | - Rebecca L. Stearns
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - Erica M. Filep
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - David W. DeGroot
- Fort Benning Heat CenterMartin Army Community HospitalFort BenningGAUSA
| | | | - Andreas D. Flouris
- Department of Exercise ScienceFAME LaboratoryUniversity of ThessalyTrikalaGreece
| | - Robert A. Huggins
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | | | - John F. Jardine
- Department of KinesiologyKorey Stringer InstituteUniversity of ConnecticutMansfieldCTUSA
| | - Rebecca M. Lopez
- School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation SciencesMorsani College of MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFLUSA
| | | | - Yannis Pitisladis
- Collaborating Centre of Sports MedicineUniversity of BrightonBrightonUK
| | - Riana R. Pryor
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition SciencesCenter for Research and Education in Special EnvironmentsBuffaloNYUSA
| | - Zachary J. Schlader
- Department of KinesiologySchool of Public HealthIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIAUSA
| | - Caroline J. Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | - Denise L. Smith
- Department of Health and Human Physiological SciencesFirst Responder Health and Safety LaboratorySkidmore CollegeSaratoga SpringsNYUSA
| | - June T. Spector
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health SciencesSchool of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | - W. Jon Williams
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)PittsburghPAUSA
| | - Nicole T. Vargas
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Susan W. Yeargin
- Department of Exercise ScienceArnold School of Public HealthUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
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Dickman NE, Chicas R. Nursing is never neutral: Political determinants of health and systemic marginalization. Nurs Inq 2021; 28:e12408. [PMID: 33651915 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The nursing community in the United States polarized in September 2020 between Dawn Wooten's whistleblowing about forced hysterectomies at an immigration center in Georgia and the American Nurses Association's refusal to endorse a presidential candidate despite the Trump administration's mounting failures to address the public health crisis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This reveals a need for more attention to political aspects of health outcome inequities. As advocates for health equity, nurses can join in recent scholarship and activism concerning the political determinants of health. In this paper, we examine recent work on the political determinants of health with an aim to add two things. First, we seek to build further on the notion of "political" determinants of health by distinguishing policy and governance structures from dynamics of politicization through appeal to critical disabilities studies. Second, we seek to apply this further nuanced approach to challenge rhetorical uses of "vulnerable populations," where this phrase serves to misrecognize systemic institutionalized forces that actively exploit and marginalize people and groups. By refocusing attention to political systems organized around and perpetuating inequitable health outcomes, nurses and other health care professionals-as well as those whom they serve-can concentrate their effort and power to act on political determinants of health in bringing about more equitable health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Eric Dickman
- Humanities and Fine Arts Division, University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR, USA
| | - Roxana Chicas
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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