The potential health effects of climate change on workers is now available in a new report just released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The report, U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate and Health Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health effects of climate change across the United States. Included in the report is a section on populations of concern, including outdoor workers and workers who may be exposed to other extreme weather environments. Worker health issues are also included in other sections of the report as part of broader discussions regarding the public health impact of climate change.
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According to the new report, climate change may increase the severity and prevalence of known occupational hazards, as well as the development of new hazards. Most at risk are outdoor workers, which includes agriculture workers, commercial fishermen, construction workers, transportation workers, and first responders. Workers in hot indoor environments such as warehouses and factories are also at risk.