Citation

Marinaccio A, Bonafede M, Morabito M. Occup. Environ. Med. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/oemed-2021-107967

PMID

35022259

Abstract

High temperatures are associated with a substantial mortality burden. Globally, 5 083 173 deaths were associated with non-optimal temperatures per year in 2000-2009, accounting for 9.43% (95% CI 7.6% to 11.1%) of all deaths, of which 0.91% (95% CI 0.6% to 1.4%) were heat related.1 Excessive heat while working induces occupational health risks and reduces work capacity and labour productivity: high body temperature or dehydration causes heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in extreme cases, death.2 Preparedness and prevention strategies to reduce heat waves impacts, are strongly required and work-related risk factors consideration is crucial. Rising heat levels driven by climate change are increasing health and economic risks for large shares of the global working population.

In Italy, the occupational exposure to extreme temperatures is a real concern, especially for agriculture and construction workers. Recently, a nationwide epidemiological study has been finalised, using the daily time series of work-related injuries from the Italian national workers' compensation authority and daily air temperatures derived from satellite land surface temperature data with a 1×1 km resolution.3 The estimated overall relative risks of occupational injury for extreme heat has been estimated equal to 1.09 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.12) with an attributable number of …

Language: en

Keywords

public health surveillance; climate; occupational health