Heat and health of occupational workers: a short summary of literature

• Published in: Journal of Occupational Health Vol. 66; no. 1; p. uiae018
• Main Authors: Sai Venkata Sarath Chandra N., Xu, Zhiwei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Japan Society for Occupational Health 04-01-2024; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Extreme Heat - adverse effects; health; Heat Stress Disorders; heat waves; Hot Temperature - adverse effects; Humans; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational Health; Opinion; workers; health; workers; heat waves
• ISSN: 1341-9145; 1348-9585; 1348-9585
• DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae018

Globally, occupational workers suffer various health impacts due to extreme heat. In this short review, we examine the literature discussing health impacts of heat on occupational workers, and then discuss certain individual and institutional measures needed to address the problem. Though the available literature in the recent decade discusses health impacts of heat on workers as various heat-related illnesses, we found very few studies examining how occupational workers suffer from issues concerning cardiovascular health, neurological health, respiratory health, and mental health. In this regard, we highlight the need for more studies to examine how occupational workers exposed to extreme heat conditions suffer from fatal health issues like cardiovascular attack, brain stroke, and other ailments impacting vital organs of the body. Occupational workers across the world should be made aware of measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. Further, countries should develop occupational heat safety guidelines with statutory effect.