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Zhao C, Huang Y, Cheng Y, Zhang R, Wang Y, Tong S, He J, Guo J, Xia F, Li Y, Yao X. Association between heatwaves and risk and economic burden of injury related hospitalizations in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119509. [PMID: 38945512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health is greatly affected by heatwaves, especially as a result of climate change. It is unclear whether heatwaves affect injury hospitalization, especially as developing countries facing the impact of climate change. OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of heatwaves on injury-related hospitalization and the economic burden. METHODS The daily hospitalizations and meteorological data from 2014 to 2019 were collected from 23 study sites in 11 meteorological geographic zones in China. We conducted a two-stage time series analysis based on a time-stratified case-crossover design, combined with DLNM to assess the association between heatwaves and daily injury hospitalization, and to further assess the regional and national economic losses resulting from hospitalization by calculating excess hospitalization costs (direct economic losses) and labor losses (indirect economic losses). To determine the vulnerable groups and areas, we also carried out stratified analyses by age, sex, and region. RESULTS We found that 6.542% (95%CI: 3.939%, 9.008 %) of injury hospitalization were attributable to heatwaves during warm season (May to September) from 2014 to 2019. Approximately 361,447 injury hospitalizations were attributed to heatwaves each year in China, leading to an excess economic loss of 5.173 (95%CI: 3.104, 7.196) billion CNY, of which 3.114 (95%CI: 1.454, 4.720) billion CNY for males and 4.785 (95%CI: 3.203, 6.321) billion CNY for people aged 15-64 years. The attributable fraction (AF) of injury hospitalizations due to heatwaves was the highest in the plateau mountain climate zone, followed by the subtropical monsoon climate zone and the temperate monsoon climate zone. CONCLUSIONS Heatwaves significantly increase the disease and economic burden of injury hospitalizations, and vary across populations and regions. Our findings implicate the necessity for targeted measures, including raising public awareness, improving healthcare infrastructure, and developing climate resilience policies, to reduce the threat of heatwaves to vulnerable populations and the associated disease and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Yushu Huang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, and Center of Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yibin Cheng
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yu Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China; School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jiang He
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jia Guo
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Fan Xia
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Yao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Vanos J, Guzman-Echavarria G, Baldwin JW, Bongers C, Ebi KL, Jay O. A physiological approach for assessing human survivability and liveability to heat in a changing climate. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7653. [PMID: 38030628 PMCID: PMC10687011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most studies projecting human survivability limits to extreme heat with climate change use a 35 °C wet-bulb temperature (Tw) threshold without integrating variations in human physiology. This study applies physiological and biophysical principles for young and older adults, in sun or shade, to improve current estimates of survivability and introduce liveability (maximum safe, sustained activity) under current and future climates. Our physiology-based survival limits show a vast underestimation of risks by the 35 °C Tw model in hot-dry conditions. Updated survivability limits correspond to Tw~25.8-34.1 °C (young) and ~21.9-33.7 °C (old)-0.9-13.1 °C lower than Tw = 35 °C. For older female adults, estimates are ~7.2-13.1 °C lower than 35 °C in dry conditions. Liveability declines with sun exposure and humidity, yet most dramatically with age (2.5-3.0 METs lower for older adults). Reductions in safe activity for younger and older adults between the present and future indicate a stronger impact from aging than warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vanos
- School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Gisel Guzman-Echavarria
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jane W Baldwin
- Department of Earth System Science, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Coen Bongers
- Department of Medical Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ollie Jay
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Borg MA, Xiang J, Anikeeva O, Ostendorf B, Varghese B, Dear K, Pisaniello D, Hansen A, Zander K, Sim MR, Bi P. Current and projected heatwave-attributable occupational injuries, illnesses, and associated economic burden in Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116852. [PMID: 37558113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The costs of global warming are substantial. These include expenses from occupational illnesses and injuries (OIIs), which have been associated with increases during heatwaves. This study estimated retrospective and projected future heatwave-attributable OIIs and their costs in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Climate and workers' compensation claims data were extracted from seven Australian capital cities representing OIIs from July 2005 to June 2018. Heatwaves were defined using the Excess Heat Factor. OIIs and associated costs were estimated separately per city and pooled to derive national estimates. Results were projected to 2030 (2016-2045) and 2050 (2036-2065). RESULTS The risk of OIIs and associated costs increased during heatwaves, with the risk increasing during severe and particularly extreme heatwaves. Of all OIIs, 0.13% (95% empirical confidence interval [eCI]: 0.11-0.16%) were heatwave-attributable, equivalent to 120 (95%eCI:70-181) OIIs annually. 0.25% of costs were heatwave-attributable (95%eCI: 0.18-0.34%), equal to $AU4.3 (95%eCI: 1.4-7.4) million annually. Estimates of heatwave-attributable OIIs by 2050, under Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP]4.5 and RCP8.5, were 0.17% (95%eCI: 0.10-0.27%) and 0.23% (95%eCI: 0.13-0.37%), respectively. National costs estimates for 2030 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were 0.13% (95%eCI: 0.27-0.46%) and 0.04% (95%eCI: 0.66-0.60), respectively. These estimates for extreme heatwaves were 0.04% (95%eCI: 0.02-0.06%) and 0.04% (95%eCI: 0.01-0.07), respectively. Cost-AFs in 2050 were, under RCP4.5, 0.127% (95%eCI: 0.27-0.46) for all heatwaves and 0.04% (95%eCI: 0.01-0.09%) for extreme heatwaves. Attributable fractions were approximately similar to baseline when assuming theoretical climate adaptation. DISCUSSION Heatwaves represent notable and preventable portions of preventable OIIs and economic burden. OIIs are likely to increase in the future, and costs during extreme heatwaves in 2030. Workplace and public health policies aimed at heat adaptation can reduce heat-attributable morbidity and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xue Yuan Road, Minhou Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Olga Anikeeva
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Bertram Ostendorf
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Blesson Varghese
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Keith Dear
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Alana Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Kerstin Zander
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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Zhang L, Jia Z, Chiu YH, Pang Q, Xu X. Impact of extreme temperatures on the performance evaluation of China's work-related injury insurance system. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:1962-1974. [PMID: 36653174 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the influence of climate change resulting in more extreme days, a rise in the number of work-related injuries could be expected. The literature has addressed the performance evaluation of a work-related injury insurance (WII) system via a two-stage structure with input/output correlation as well as the impact of extreme temperatures under different scenarios. This article thus evaluates the performance of a system comprised of operational and service sub-systems under three scenarios of extreme temperatures and proposes a hybrid two-stage dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with nondiscretionary variables for measuring integrated WII efficiency under the three scenarios. The results are as follows: (1) the poor performance of the operational and service sub-systems leads to the integrated WII system's low efficiency for 30 provinces in China during 2010-2019, except for Zhejiang, Hainan, and Qinghai. (2) Extreme temperatures must be considered when measuring WII efficiency and its stage efficiencies, or otherwise WII efficiency and operational efficiency will be underestimated in 19 provinces. (3) The negative impacts of extreme temperatures on the efficiency of the integrated WII system should be taken notice of, especially for Sichuan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Zhang
- Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihao Jia
- Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yung-Ho Chiu
- Department of Economics, Soochow University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Qinghua Pang
- Business School, Hohai University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Architectural Engineering School, Tongling University, Tongling, China
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5
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Tetzlaff EJ, Goulet N, Gorman M, Ioannou LG, Kenny GP. Working under the 2021 Heat Dome: A Content Analysis of Occupational Impacts Mentioned in the Canadian Media. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2423. [PMID: 37685459 PMCID: PMC10487058 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extreme heat events directly impact worker health and cause additional cascading and transitional workplace impacts. However, current investigations on these impacts often rely on specific datasets (e.g., compensation claims, hospitalizations). Thus, to continue to work towards preventing and mitigating the occupational risks posed by extreme heat events, this study aimed to explore the occupational impacts of the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada using a qualitative content analysis method on a news-based dataset. A systematized review of news articles published before, during, and after the 2021 Heat Dome was conducted on academic (n = 8) and news (n = 5) databases, along with targeted grey literature. Two researchers qualitatively coded the articles in NVivo for occupational impacts or references mentioned within the articles. Overall, 52 different occupations were identified as being impacted by the 2021 Heat Dome. Impacts were diverse and ranged from work cancellations or delays to work modifications and reports of heat-related illnesses. The 2021 Heat Dome impacted the health and safety of many occupational groups and provided new insights into the expanding impacts that extreme heat events can have on the Canadian workforce. With climate projections showing a growing trend of more hot days and intense heat waves in Canada, addressing these concerns should be a critical priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Tetzlaff
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.J.T.)
- Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada;
| | - Nicholas Goulet
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.J.T.)
- Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada;
- Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Melissa Gorman
- Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada;
| | - Leonidas G. Ioannou
- Department of Automatics, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.J.T.)
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
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6
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De Sario M, de'Donato FK, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A, Levi M, Ariani F, Morabito M, Michelozzi P. Occupational heat stress, heat-related effects and the related social and economic loss: a scoping literature review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1173553. [PMID: 37601227 PMCID: PMC10434255 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While there is consistent evidence on the effects of heat on workers' health and safety, the evidence on the resulting social and economic impacts is still limited. A scoping literature review was carried out to update the knowledge about social and economic impacts related to workplace heat exposure. Methods The literature search was conducted in two bibliographic databases (Web of Science and PubMed), to select publications from 2010 to April 2022. Results A total of 89 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis (32 field studies, 8 studies estimating healthcare-related costs, and 49 economic studies). Overall, consistent evidence of the socioeconomic impacts of heat exposure in the workplace emerges. Actual productivity losses at the global level are nearly 10% and are expected to increase up to 30-40% under the worst climate change scenario by the end of the century. Vulnerable regions are mainly low-latitude and low- and middle-income countries with a greater proportion of outdoor workers but include also areas from developed countries such as southern Europe. The most affected sectors are agriculture and construction. There is limited evidence regarding the role of cooling measures and changes in the work/rest schedule in mitigating heat-related productivity loss. Conclusion The available evidence highlights the need for strengthening prevention efforts to enhance workers' awareness and resilience toward occupational heat exposure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries but also in some areas of developed countries where an increase in frequency and intensity of heat waves is expected under future climate change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela De Sario
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Levi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Prevention, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Ariani
- Regional Centre for the Analysis of Data on Occupational and Work-Related Injuries and Diseases, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Bach AJ, Palutikof JP, Tonmoy FN, Smallcombe JW, Rutherford S, Joarder AR, Hossain M, Jay O. Retrofitting passive cooling strategies to combat heat stress in the face of climate change: A case study of a ready-made garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. ENERGY AND BUILDINGS 2023; 286:112954. [PMID: 37601430 PMCID: PMC7614966 DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The ready-made garment industry is critical to the Bangladesh economy. There is an urgent need to improve current working conditions and build capacity for heat mitigation as conditions worsen due to climate change. We modelled a typical, mid-sized, non-air-conditioned factory in Bangladesh and simulated how the indoor thermal environment is altered by four rooftop retrofits (1. extensive green roof, 2. rooftop shading, 3. white cool roof, 4. insulated white cool roof) on present-day and future decades under different climate scenarios. Simulations showed that all strategies reduce indoor air temperatures by around 2 °C on average and reduce the number of present-day annual work-hours during which wetbulb globe temperature exceeds the standardised limits for moderate work rates by up to 603 h - the equivalent of 75 (8 h) working days per year. By 2050 under a high-emissions scenario, indoor conditions with a rooftop intervention are comparable to present-day conditions. To reduce the growing need for carbon-intensive air-conditioning, sustainable heat mitigation strategies need to be incorporated into a wider range of solutions at the individual, building, and urban level. The results presented here have implications for factory planning and retrofit design, and may inform policies targeting worker health, well-being, and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J.E. Bach
- National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF), Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jean P. Palutikof
- National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF), Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Fahim N. Tonmoy
- National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF), Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- BMT Group, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James W. Smallcombe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shannon Rutherford
- Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashikur R. Joarder
- Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Monir Hossain
- Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ollie Jay
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Marrone M, Buongiorno L, Caricato P, Pititto F, De Luca BP, Angeletti C, Sebastiani G, Cascardi E, Ingravallo G, Stellacci A, Cazzato G. Heat Stroke in the Work Environment: Case Report of an Underestimated Phenomenon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4028. [PMID: 36901039 PMCID: PMC10001472 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Average global temperatures continue to trend upward, and this phenomenon is part of the more complex climate change taking place on our planet over the past century. Human health is directly affected by environmental conditions, not only because of communicable diseases that are clearly affected by climate, but also because of the relationship between rising temperatures and increased morbidity for psychiatric diseases. As global temperatures and the number of extreme days increase, so does the risk associated with all those acute illnesses related to these factors. For example, there is a correlation between out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and heat. Then, there are pathologies that recognize excessive heat as the main etiological agent. This is the case with so-called "heat stroke", a form of hyperthermia accompanied by a systemic inflammatory response, which causes multi-organ dysfunction and sometimes death. Starting with a case that came to their attention of a young man in good general health who died while working unloading fruit crates from a truck, the authors wanted to express some thoughts on the need to adapt the world of work, including work-specific hazards, in order to protect the worker exposed to this "new risk" and develop multidisciplinary adaptation strategies that incorporate climatology, indoor/building environments, energy use, regulatory perfection of work and human thermal comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricla Marrone
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Buongiorno
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Caricato
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Fortunato Pititto
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Benedetta Pia De Luca
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Angeletti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sebastiani
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Pathology Unit, FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stellacci
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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9
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High Temperature and Its Association With Work-Related Injuries by Employment Status in South Korea, 2017-2018. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e690-e694. [PMID: 35941745 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the association between maximum daily temperature and work-related injuries according to employment status in South Korea. METHODS Data on workers' compensation claims and daily maximum temperature between May 20 and September 10, 2017-2018, were collected and analyzed. The absolute temperature risk effect (ATR) was evaluated by comparing the risk effect at 2 temperatures (30°C vs 33°C) across all communities using 2-stage time-series analysis. RESULTS The association between high temperatures and work-related injuries was statistically significant in the construction sector (ATR, 1.129; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010-1.261). In addition, the findings of this study also demonstrated a higher risk effect among nonpermanent workers (ATR, 1.109; 95% CI, 1.013-1.214) at 33°C versus 30°C when compared with permanent workers (ATR, 0.963; 95% CI, 0.891-1.041). CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant association between high temperatures and work-related injuries among nonpermanent workers in South Korea.
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10
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Ferrari GN, Leal GCL, Thom de Souza RC, Galdamez EVC. Impact of climate change on occupational health and safety: A review of methodological approaches. Work 2022; 74:485-499. [PMID: 36314181 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The working population is exposed daily to unavoidable climatic conditions due to their occupational settings. Effects of the weather such as rain, heat, and air pollution may increase the risk of diseases, injuries, accidents, and even death during labor. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to summarize the impacts of climate change on workers' health, safety and performance, identifying the risks, affected workplaces and the range of methodological approaches used to assess this problem. METHODS A thorough systematic mapping was conducted in seven scientific international databases: Emerald, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Three research questions guided the extraction process resulting in 170 articles regarding the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety. RESULTS We found an accentuated trend in observational studies applying primary and secondary data collection. Many studies focused on the association between rising temperatures and occupational hazards, mainly in outdoor work settings such as agriculture. The variation of temperature was the most investigated impact of climate change. CONCLUSIONS We established a knowledge base on how to explore the impacts of climate change on workers' well-being and health. Researchers and policymakers benefit from this review, which explores the suitable methods found in the literature and highlights the most recurring risks and their consequences to occupational health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Neto Ferrari
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Camila Lapasini Leal
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Edwin Vladimir Cardoza Galdamez
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
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Schulte PA, Iavicoli I, Fontana L, Leka S, Dollard MF, Salmen-Navarro A, Salles FJ, Olympio KPK, Lucchini R, Fingerhut M, Violante FS, Seneviratne M, Oakman J, Lo O, Alfredo CH, Bandini M, Silva-Junior JS, Martinez MC, Cotrim T, Omokhodion F, Fischer FM. Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710842. [PMID: 36078562 PMCID: PMC9518038 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The 2030 United Nations Goal 8 for sustainable development focuses on decent work. There is utility in identifying the occupational safety and health aspects of Goal 8, as they pertain to the four pillars of decent work: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue. A workgroup of the International Commission on Occupational Health and collaborators addressed the issue of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH) with the objective of elaborating a framework for guidance for practitioners, researchers, employers, workers, and authorities. This article presents that framework, which is based on an examination of the literature and the perspectives of the workgroup. The framework encompasses the intersection of the pillars of decent (employment creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue) work with new and emerging hazards and risks related to various selected determinants: new technologies and new forms of work; demographics (aging and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; pandemics; and OSH policies and climate change. The OSH field will need an expanded focus to address the future of decent work. This focus should incorporate the needs of workers and workforces in terms of their well-being. The framework identifies a starting point for the OSH community to begin to promote decent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7462430
| | - Luca Fontana
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stavroula Leka
- Business School, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Maureen F. Dollard
- PSC Global Observatory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Acran Salmen-Navarro
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fernanda J. Salles
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Kelly P. K. Olympio
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marilyn Fingerhut
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Francesco S. Violante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Jodi Oakman
- Center for Ergonomics and Human Factors, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Olivier Lo
- Medical Services Division, International SOS, Singapore 486018, Singapore
| | - Camila H. Alfredo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Marcia Bandini
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Teresa Cotrim
- Ergonomics Laboratory, CIAUD, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Folashade Omokhodion
- Division of Occupational Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria
| | - Frida M. Fischer
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
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12
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Lee SY, Lung SCC, Chiu PG, Wang WC, Tsai IC, Lin TH. Northern Hemisphere Urban Heat Stress and Associated Labor Hour Hazard from ERA5 Reanalysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138163. [PMID: 35805822 PMCID: PMC9266236 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing surface air temperature is a fundamental characteristic of a warming world. Rising temperatures have potential impacts on human health through heat stress. One heat stress metric is the wet-bulb globe temperature, which takes into consideration the effects of radiation, humidity, and wind speed. It also has broad health and environmental implications. This study presents wet-bulb globe temperatures calculated from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric reanalysis and combines it with health guidelines to assess heat stress variability and the potential for reduction in labor hours over the past decade on both the continental and urban scale. Compared to 2010–2014, there was a general increase in heat stress during the period from 2015 to 2019 throughout the northern hemisphere, with the largest warming found in tropical regions, especially in the northern part of the Indian Peninsula. On the urban scale, our results suggest that heat stress might have led to a reduction in labor hours by up to ~20% in some Asian cities subject to work–rest regulations. Extremes in heat stress can be explained by changes in radiation and circulation. The resultant threat is highest in developing countries in tropical areas where workers often have limited legal protection and healthcare. The effect of heat stress exposure is therefore a collective challenge with environmental, economic, and social implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yu Lee
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (S.-C.C.L.); (W.-C.W.); (I.-C.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Shih-Chun Candice Lung
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (S.-C.C.L.); (W.-C.W.); (I.-C.T.)
| | - Ping-Gin Chiu
- Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Wen-Cheng Wang
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (S.-C.C.L.); (W.-C.W.); (I.-C.T.)
| | - I-Chun Tsai
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (S.-C.C.L.); (W.-C.W.); (I.-C.T.)
| | - Thung-Hong Lin
- Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
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13
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Karthick S, Kermanshachi S, Pamidimukkala A, Namian M. A Review of Construction Workforce Health Challenges and Strategies in Extreme Weather Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:773-784. [PMID: 35622383 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2082138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConstruction sites continue to operate despite inclement weather, exposing workers to unpleasant working circumstances that can lead to various physical and mental health challenges. A thorough literature review yielded 21 challenges for hot weather conditions such as heat stroke, kidney disease, heat cramps, anxiety, depression and 20 challenges for cold weather conditions like asthma, frostbite, Musculo-Skeletal disorders, hallucination. Workers vulnerable to hot and cold weather based on demographic characteristics were identified. The study also provides 27 strategies to address the challenges experienced in hot and cold weather conditions. Some of these include ensuring that workers stay hydrated, scheduling sufficient rest periods, and allowing workers to self-pace. The results of this study will help construction decision-makers and project managers understand the difficulties faced by a field workforce who labors in extreme working conditions on construction sites and will facilitate adoption of strategies that can prevent weather-related physical and mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjgna Karthick
- Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Sharareh Kermanshachi
- Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Apurva Pamidimukkala
- Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Mostafa Namian
- Assistant Professor, Department of Construction Management, East Carolina University
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14
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Golbabaei F, Karami E, Shahy M, Safari Z, Azrah K. Modeling and investigating the effect of parasol installation on solar radiant temperature reduction using COMSOL Multiphysics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:627-641. [PMID: 35400307 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2062928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Occupational activities in open spaces can experience excessive heat exposure caused by sunlight and other artificial sources in these professional environments can be one of the current and future challenges of occupational safety and health due to increasing global warming. Use of lightweight portable parasols is the first available control measure to reduce the radiation emitted by the sun in outdoor workplaces, which has been used for a long time. Methods. Due to the lack of study and results on the effect of using parasols in scientific literature, this modeling study was conducted to investigate the effect of sunshade installation on radiant temperature reduction of the sun in outdoor work using COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.5. Results. In general, six different shapes of portable parasols in different positions were modeled and the average radiant temperature reduction effectiveness (TRE) was about 30% in the presence of different parasols. The designed conical, simple and pyramidal sunshades showed the most effectiveness, respectively. Conclusions. The results show that changing variables such as the axis, installation height and shape is more effective for improving parasol efficiency to reduce the radiant temperature below it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Golbabaei
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Karami
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Majid Shahy
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Zahra Safari
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Kaykāvus Azrah
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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15
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Yan M, Xie Y, Zhu H, Ban J, Gong J, Li T. The exceptional heatwaves of 2017 and all-cause mortality: An assessment of nationwide health and economic impacts in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152371. [PMID: 34919930 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heatwaves with unprecedented conditions have devastating health impacts. The summer of 2017 saw unusual heat in China and other regions on earth. Although epidemiologic evidence is clear for elevated mortality risks of heatwaves, the economic impacts due to heatwave-associated mortality remain poorly characterized. Hence, this study systematically assessed the mortality and economic impacts of the 2017 exceptional heatwaves in China. We first used the generalized linear mixed-effect model with Poisson distribution to examine the mortality risks of the 2017 heatwaves in 91 Chinese counties. Further, we calculated the excess deaths attributable to heatwaves in 2852 counties. Finally, we evaluated the city- and province-level death-related economic burden of the 2017 heatwaves based on the value of statistical life (VSL). We found that the 2017 exceptional heatwaves had a statistically significant association (relative risk was 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.32) with all-cause mortality across 91 Chinese counties. Nationwide, a total of 16,299 all-cause deaths that occurred in 2017 were attributable to the exceptional heatwaves, resulting in an overall death-related economic loss of 61,304 million RMB as valued by VSL. Given that extraordinary heatwaves are projected to be more frequent under global climate change, our findings could enhance the current understanding of heatwaves' health and economic impacts and add valuable insights in projection studies of estimating the future health burden of heatwaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Yan
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xie
- School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing, China; Future Cities Lab, Beihang University, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ban
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jicheng Gong
- Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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16
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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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17
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Wang Q, He Y, Hajat S, Cheng J, Xu Z, Hu W, Ma W, Huang C. Temperature-sensitive morbidity indicator: consequence from the increased ambulance dispatches associated with heat and cold exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:1871-1880. [PMID: 33963898 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Current development of temperature-related health early warning systems mainly arises from knowledge of temperature-related mortality or hospital-based morbidity. However, due to the delay in data reporting and limits in hospital capacity, these indicators cannot be used in health risk assessments timely. In this study, we examine temperature impacts on emergency ambulance and discuss the benefits of using this near real-time indicator for risk assessment and early warning. We collected ambulance dispatch data recording individual characteristics and preliminary diagnoses between 2015 and 2016 in Shenzhen, China. Distributed lag nonlinear model was used to examine the effects of high and low temperatures on ambulance dispatches during warm and cold seasons. Lag effects were also assessed to evaluate the sensitivity of ambulance dispatches in reflecting immediate health reactions. Stratified analyses by gender, age, and a wide range of diagnoses were performed to identify vulnerable subgroups. Disease-specific numbers of ambulance dispatches attributable to non-optimal temperature were calculated to determine the related medical burdens. Effects of temperature on ambulance dispatches appeared to be acute on the current day. Males, people aged 18-44 years, were more susceptible to non-optimal temperatures. Highest RR during heat exposure by far was for urinary disease, alcohol intoxication, and traumatic injury, while alcohol intoxication and cardiovascular disease were especially sensitive to cold exposure, causing the main part of health burden. The development of local health surveillance systems by utilizing ambulance dispatch data are important for temperature impact assessments and medical resource reallocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchuan Wang
- Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, 187 Guanlan Avenue, Longhua District, Shenzhen, 518110, China.
| | - Yiling He
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road #2, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai, China
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road #2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China.
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Ye D, Li N, Bi P, Tong S, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Li Y, Yao X. Temperatures and health costs of emergency department visits: A multisite time series study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111023. [PMID: 33745933 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is limited regarding the association between temperatures and health costs. OBJECTIVES We tried to investigate the association between temperatures and emergency department visits (EDVs) costs in China. METHODS Daily data on EDVs costs, weather, air pollution were collected from 17 sites in China during 2014-2018. A quasi-Poisson generalized additive regression with distributed lag nonlinear model was applied to assess the temperature-EDVs cost association. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool the estimates from each site. Attributable fractions and national attributable EDVs costs due to heat and cold were calculated. RESULTS Relative risk (RR) due to extreme heat over 0-7 lag days was 1.14 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.08-1.19] and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.07-1.16) for EDVs examination (including treatment) and medicine cost, respectively. People aged 18-44 and those with genitourinary diseases were at higher risk from heat. 0.72% of examination cost and 0.57% of medicine cost were attributed to extreme heat, costing 274 million Chinese Yuan annually. Moderate heat had lower RR but higher attributable fraction of EDVs costs. Exposure to extreme cold over 0-21 lag days increased the risk of medicine cost for people aged 18-44 [RR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.10-1.55)] and those with respiratory diseases [RR: 1.56 (95% CI: 1.14-2.14)], but had non-statistically significant attributable fraction of the total EDVs cost. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to heat and cold resulted in remarkable health costs. More resources and preparedness are needed to tackle such a challenge as our climate is rapidly changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dianxiu Ye
- National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Na Li
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shilu Tong
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Institute of Environment and Population Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yan Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yibin Cheng
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Yao
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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19
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Borg MA, Xiang J, Anikeeva O, Pisaniello D, Hansen A, Zander K, Dear K, Sim MR, Bi P. Occupational heat stress and economic burden: A review of global evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110781. [PMID: 33516686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adverse effects of heat on workers' health and work productivity are well documented. However, the resultant economic consequences and productivity loss are less understood. This review aims to summarize the retrospective and potential future economic burden of workplace heat exposure in the context of climate change. METHODS Literature was searched from database inception to October 2020 using Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles were limited to original human studies investigating costs from occupational heat stress in English. RESULTS Twenty studies met criteria for inclusion. Eighteen studies estimated costs secondary to heat-induced labor productivity loss. Predicted global costs from lost worktime, in US$, were 280 billion in 1995, 311 billion in 2010 (≈0.5% of GDP), 2.4-2.5 trillion in 2030 (>1% of GDP) and up to 4.0% of GDP by 2100. Three studies estimated heat-related healthcare expenses from occupational injuries with averaged annual costs (US$) exceeding 1 million in Spain, 1 million in Guangzhou, China and 250,000 in Adelaide, Australia. Low- and middle-income countries and countries with warmer climates had greater losses as a proportion of GDP. Greater costs per worker were observed in outdoor industries, medium-sized businesses, amongst males, and workers aged 25-44 years. CONCLUSIONS The estimated global economic burden of occupational heat stress is substantial. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies should be implemented to likely minimize future costs. Further research exploring the relationship between occupational heat stress and related expenses from lost productivity, decreased work efficiency and healthcare, and costs stratified by demographic factors, is warranted. Key messages. The estimated retrospective and future economic burden from occupational heat stress is large. Responding to climate change is crucial to minimize this burden. Analyzing heat-attributable occupational costs may guide the development of workplace heat management policies and practices as part of global warming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Olga Anikeeva
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Alana Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Kerstin Zander
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
| | - Keith Dear
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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20
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Fatima SH, Rothmore P, Giles LC, Varghese BM, Bi P. Extreme heat and occupational injuries in different climate zones: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 148:106384. [PMID: 33472088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between heat exposure and adverse health outcomes in workers is well documented and a growing body of epidemiological evidence from various countries suggests that extreme heat may also contribute to increased risk of occupational injuries (OI). Previously, there have been no comparative reviews assessing the risk of OI due to extreme heat within a wide range of global climate zones. The present review therefore aims to summarise the existing epidemiological evidence on the impact of extreme heat (hot temperatures and heatwaves (HW)) on OI in different climate zones and to assess the individual risk factors associated with workers and workplace that contribute to heat-associated OI risks. METHODS A systematic review of published peer-reviewed articles that assessed the effects of extreme heat on OI among non-military workers was undertaken using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) without temporal or geographical limits from database inception until July 2020. Extreme heat exposure was assessed in terms of hot temperatures and HW periods. For hot temperatures, the effect estimates were converted to relative risks (RR) associated with 1 °C increase in temperature above reference values, while for HW, effect estimates were RR comparing heatwave with non-heatwave periods. The patterns of heat associated OI risk were investigated in different climate zones (according to Köppen Geiger classification) based on the study locations and were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis models. Subgroup analyses according to workers' characteristics (e.g. gender, age group, experience), nature of work (e.g. physical demands, location of work i.e. indoor/outdoor) and workplace characteristics (e.g. industries, business size) were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 24 studies published between 2005 and 2020 were included in the review. Among these, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria, representing almost 22 million OI across six countries (Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Spain, and USA) and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested that the overall risk of OI increased by 1% (RR 1.010, 95% CI: 1.009-1.011) for 1 °C increase in temperature above reference values and 17.4% (RR 1.174, 95% CI: 1.057-1.291) during HW. Among different climate zones, the highest risk of OI during hot temperatures was identified in Humid Subtropical Climates (RR 1.017, 95% CI: 1.014-1.020) followed by Oceanic (RR 1.010, 95% CI: 1.008-1.012) and Hot Mediterranean Climates (RR 1.009, 95% CI: 1.008-1.011). Similarly, Oceanic (RR 1.218, 95% CI: 1.093-1.343) and Humid Subtropical Climates (RR 1.213, 95% CI: 0.995-1.431) had the highest risk of OI during HW periods. No studies assessing the risk of OI in Tropical regions were found. The effects of hot temperatures on the risk of OI were acute with a lag effect of 1-2 days in all climate zones. Young workers (age < 35 years), male workers and workers in agriculture, forestry or fishing, construction and manufacturing industries were at high risk of OI during hot temperatures. Further young workers (age < 35 years), male workers and those working in electricity, gas and water and manufacturing industries were found to be at high risk of OI during HW. CONCLUSIONS This review strengthens the evidence on the risk of heat-associated OI in different climate zones. The risk of OI associated with extreme heat is not evenly distributed and is dependent on underlying climatic conditions, workers' attributes, the nature of work and workplace characteristics. The differences in the risk of OI across different climate zones and worker subgroups warrant further investigation along with the development of climate and work-specific intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Rothmore
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lynne C Giles
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
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21
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Al-Bouwarthan M, Quinn MM, Kriebel D, Wegman DH. A Field Evaluation of Construction Workers' Activity, Hydration Status, and Heat Strain in the Extreme Summer Heat of Saudi Arabia. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:522-535. [PMID: 32219304 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of summer heat exposure (June-September) on residential construction workers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia by evaluating (i) heart rate (HR) responses, hydration status, and physical workload among workers in indoor and outdoor construction settings, (ii) factors related to physiological responses to work in hot conditions, and (iii) how well wet-bulb globe temperature-based occupational exposure limits (WBGTOELs) predict measures of heat strain. METHODS Twenty-three construction workers (plasterers, tilers, and laborers) contributed 260 person-days of monitoring. Workload energy expenditure, HR, fluid intake, and pre- and postshift urine specific gravity (USG) were measured. Indoor and outdoor heat exposures (WBGT) were measured continuously and a WBGTOEL was calculated. The effects of heat exposure and workload on heart rate reserve (HRR), a measure of cardiovascular strain, were examined with linear mixed models. A metric called 'heat stress exceedance' (HSE) was constructed to summarize whether the environmental heat exposure (WBGT) exceeded the heat stress exposure limit (WBGTOEL). The sensitivity and specificity of the HSE as a predictor of cardiovascular strain (HRR ≥30%) were determined. RESULTS The WBGTOEL was exceeded frequently, on 63 person-days indoors (44%) and 91(78%) outdoors. High-risk HRR occurred on 26 and 36 person-days indoors and outdoors, respectively. The HSE metric showed higher sensitivity for HRR ≥30% outdoors (89%) than indoors (58%) and greater specificity indoors (59%) than outdoors (27%). Workload intensity was generally moderate, with light intensity work more common outdoors. The ability to self-pace work was associated with a lower frequency of HRR ≥30%. USG concentrations indicated that workers began and ended their shifts dehydrated (USG ≥1.020). CONCLUSIONS Construction work where WBGTOEL is commonly exceeded poses health risks. The ability of workers to self-pace may help reduce risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Bouwarthan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Margaret M Quinn
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - David H Wegman
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.,La Isla Network, Ada, MI, USA
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22
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Dally M, Butler-Dawson J, Sorensen CJ, Van Dyke M, James KA, Krisher L, Jaramillo D, Newman LS. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and Recorded Occupational Injury Rates among Sugarcane Harvesters in Southwest Guatemala. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218195. [PMID: 33171945 PMCID: PMC7664243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As global temperatures continue to rise it is imperative to understand the adverse effects this will pose to workers laboring outdoors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between increases in wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and risk of occupational injury or dehydration among agricultural workers. We used data collected by an agribusiness in Southwest Guatemala over the course of four harvest seasons and Poisson generalized linear modelling for this analysis. Our analyses suggest a 3% increase in recorded injury risk with each degree increase in daily average WBGT above 30 °C (95% CI: -6%, 14%). Additionally, these data suggest that the relationship between WBGT and injury risk is non-linear with an additional 4% acceleration in risk for every degree increase in WBGT above 30 °C (95% CI: 0%, 8%). No relationship was found between daily average WBGT and risk of dehydration. Our results indicate that agricultural workers are at an increased risk of occupational injury in humid and hot environments and that businesses need to plan and adapt to increasing global temperatures by implementing and evaluating effective occupational safety and health programs to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-303-724-2463
| | - Jaime Butler-Dawson
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Cecilia J. Sorensen
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mike Van Dyke
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Katherine A. James
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Lyndsay Krisher
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Diana Jaramillo
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Colorado Consortium for Climate Change & Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.B.-D.); (C.J.S.); (M.V.D.); (K.A.J.); (L.K.); (D.J.); (L.S.N.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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23
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Morabito M, Messeri A, Crisci A, Pratali L, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A. Heat warning and public and workers' health at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:140347. [PMID: 32570084 PMCID: PMC7301811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The humanity is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic challenge, the largest global health emergency after the Second World War. During summer months, many countries in the northern hemisphere will also have to counteract an imminent seasonal phenomenon, the management of extreme heat events. The novelty this year concerns that the world population will have to deal with a new situation that foresees the application of specific measures, including adjunctive personal protective equipment (i.e. facemasks and gloves), in order to reduce the potential transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These measures should help to decrease the risk of the infection transmission but will also represent an aggravating factor to counteract the heat effects on the population health both at occupational and environmental level. The use of a specific heat health warning system with personalized information based on individual, behavioural and environmental characteristics represents a necessary strategy to help a fast adaptation of the population at a time where the priority is to live avoiding SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council, Florence, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Messeri
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pratali
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
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24
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Su Y, Cheng L, Cai W, Lee JKW, Zhong S, Chen S, Li T, Huang X, Huang C. Evaluating the effectiveness of labor protection policy on occupational injuries caused by extreme heat in a large subtropical city of China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109532. [PMID: 32334170 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
On March 1, 2012, the Chinese government implemented the Administrative Measures on Heatstroke Prevention (AMHP2012) to combat the occupational health impacts of extreme heat, and reducing occupational injury was one of the main purposes. This study aimed at quantifying the intervention effects of the AMHP2012 on extreme heat-related occupational injuries and subsequent insurance payouts in Guangzhou, China. Data on occupational injuries and insurance payouts were collected from March 1, 2011, to February 28, 2013, from the occupational injury insurance system of Guangzhou. A quasi-experimental design with before-after control was adopted. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to quantify the change of occupational injuries and insurance payouts after policy implementation. The distributed lag non-linear model was used to explore whether injury claims and insurance payouts due to extreme heat decreased. A total of 9851 injury claims were included in the analysis. After policy implementation, the risk of occupational injuries and insurance payouts decreased by 13% (RR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.75, 0.99) and 24% (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.94), respectively. The attributable fraction of extreme heat-related occupational injuries decreased from 3.17% (95%eCI: 1.35, 4.69) to 1.52% (95%eCI: -0.36, 3.15), which contributed to 0.86 million USD reduction of insurance payouts. Both males and females, low-educated, young and middle-aged workers, workers at small or medium-sized enterprises, engaging in manufacturing, and with both minor and severe injuries were apparently associated with decreased rates of extreme heat-related occupational injuries. The AMHP2012 policy contributed to the reduction of extreme heat-related occupational injuries and insurance payouts in Guangzhou, China, and this research provided novel evidence for decision-makers to better understand the necessity of implementing health protection policies among laborers under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Su
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Liangliang Cheng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenjia Cai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Joint Center for Global Change Studies (JCGCS), Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jason Kai Wei Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuang Zhong
- Center for Chinese Public Administration Research, School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Institute for Economic and Social Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Teng Li
- International School of Business and Finance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xinfei Huang
- International School of Business and Finance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, 200030, China; School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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25
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Li J, Yin P, Wang H, Zeng X, Zhang X, Wang L, Liu J, Liu Y, You J, Zhao Z, Yu S, Zhou M. The disease burden attributable to 18 occupational risks in China: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2017. Environ Health 2020; 19:21. [PMID: 32075644 PMCID: PMC7031932 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND China has more than 18% of the global population and over 770 million workers. However, the burden of disease attributable to occupational risks is unavailable in China. We aimed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to occupational exposures at provincial levels from 1990 to 2017. METHODS We estimated the summary exposure values (SEVs), deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to occupational risk factors in China from 1990 to 2017, based on Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. There were 18 occupational risks, 22 related causes, and 35 risk-outcome pairs included in this study. Meanwhile, we compared age-standardized death rates attributable to occupational risk factors in provinces of China by socio-demographic index (SDI). RESULTS The SEVs of most occupational risks increased from 1990 to 2017. There were 323,833 (95% UI 283,780 - 369,061) deaths and 14,060,210 (12,022,974 - 16,125,763) DALYs attributable to total occupational risks in China, which were 27.9 and 22.1% of corresponding global levels, respectively. For attributable deaths, major risks came from occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes (PGFs), and for the attributable DALYs, from occupational injuries. The attributable burden was higher in males than in females. Compared with high SDI provinces, low SDI provinces, especially Western China, had higher death rates attributable to total occupational risks, occupational PGFs, and occupational injuries. CONCLUSION Occupational risks contribute to a huge disease burden in China. The attributable burden is higher in males, and in less developed provinces of Western China, reflecting differences in risk exposure, socioeconomic conditions, and type of jobs. Our study highlights the need for further research and focused policy interventions on the health of workers especially for less developed provinces in China to reduce occupational health losses effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Peng Yin
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Haidong Wang
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Xinying Zeng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Lijun Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Jiangmei Liu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Yunning Liu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Jinling You
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Zhenping Zhao
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Shicheng Yu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
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26
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Varghese BM, Barnett AG, Hansen AL, Bi P, Heyworth JS, Sim MR, Hanson-Easey S, Nitschke M, Rowett S, Pisaniello DL. Geographical variation in risk of work-related injuries and illnesses associated with ambient temperatures: A multi-city case-crossover study in Australia, 2005-2016. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:898-906. [PMID: 31412493 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thermal working environment can have direct and in-direct effects on health and safety. Ambient temperatures have been associated with an increased risk of occupational injuries but it is unknown how the relationship can vary by weather, location and climate. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between ambient temperatures and work-related injury and illness compensation claims in three Australian cities: Melbourne and Perth (temperate climate) and Brisbane (subtropical climate) in order to determine how hot and cold weather influences the risk of occupational injury in Australia. METHODS Workers' compensation claims from each city for the period 2005 to 2016 were merged with local daily weather data. A time-stratified case-crossover design combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to quantify the impacts of daily maximum temperature (Tmax) on the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses. RESULTS Compared to the median maximum temperature (Tmax), extremely hot temperatures (99th percentile) were associated with a 14% (95%CI: 3-25%) increase in total workers' compensation claims in Melbourne, but there were no observed effects in Brisbane or Perth, with the exception of traumatic injuries that increased by 17% (95%CI: 3-35%) during extreme heat in Perth. For extremely low temperatures (1st percentile), there was a protective effect in Brisbane (RR 0.89; 95%CI: 0.81-0.98), while no effects were observed in Melbourne or Perth. CONCLUSION The relationship between injury and ambient temperature appears to be variable depending on location and climate. In general, work-related injuries and illnesses appear to be more common at higher temperatures than lower temperatures. Adopting adaptation and prevention measures could reduce the social and economic burden of injury, and formulating effective measures for dealing with high temperatures should be prioritised given the predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of hot weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blesson M Varghese
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adrian G Barnett
- School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alana L Hansen
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jane S Heyworth
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Hanson-Easey
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Monika Nitschke
- Department for Health and Wellbeing, Government of South Australia, 11 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shelley Rowett
- SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia, 33 Richmond Road, Keswick, SA 5035, Australia
| | - Dino L Pisaniello
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia.
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27
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Morabito M, Messeri A, Noti P, Casanueva A, Crisci A, Kotlarski S, Orlandini S, Schwierz C, Spirig C, Kingma BRM, Flouris AD, Nybo L. An Occupational Heat-Health Warning System for Europe: The HEAT-SHIELD Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2890. [PMID: 31412559 PMCID: PMC6718993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Existing heat-health warning systems focus on warning vulnerable groups in order to reduce mortality. However, human health and performance are affected at much lower environmental heat strain levels than those directly associated with higher mortality. Moreover, workers are at elevated health risks when exposed to prolonged heat. This study describes the multilingual "HEAT-SHIELD occupational warning system" platform (https://heatshield.zonalab.it/) operating for Europe and developed within the framework of the HEAT-SHIELD project. This system is based on probabilistic medium-range forecasts calibrated on approximately 1800 meteorological stations in Europe and provides the ensemble forecast of the daily maximum heat stress. The platform provides a non-customized output represented by a map showing the weekly maximum probability of exceeding a specific heat stress condition, for each of the four upcoming weeks. Customized output allows the forecast of the personalized local heat-stress-risk based on workers' physical, clothing and behavioral characteristics and the work environment (outdoors in the sun or shade), also taking into account heat acclimatization. Personal daily heat stress risk levels and behavioral suggestions (hydration and work breaks recommended) to be taken into consideration in the short term (5 days) are provided together with long-term heat risk forecasts (up to 46 days), all which are useful for planning work activities. The HEAT-SHIELD platform provides adaptation strategies for "managing" the impact of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, 50019 Florence, Italy.
- Centre of Bioclimatology-University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy.
| | | | - Pascal Noti
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Casanueva
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
- Meteorology Group, Dept. Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Sven Kotlarski
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Orlandini
- Centre of Bioclimatology-University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Cornelia Schwierz
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Spirig
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris R M Kingma
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Unit Defense, Safety and Security, The Netherlands Organisation of Applied Scientific Research, 3769DE Soesterberg, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas D Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Karies, Greece
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Manfredini R, Cappadona R, Fabbian F. Heat Stress and Cardiovascular Mortality in Immigrant Workers: Can We Do Something More? Cardiology 2019; 143:49-51. [PMID: 31311011 DOI: 10.1159/000501261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Manfredini
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,
| | - Rosaria Cappadona
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fabbian
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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