8285396 Occupational heat stress in The Netherlands: annual exposure estimates from 2020 to 2023

<h3>Objective</h3> Climate change is making occupational heat stress an increasing concern, even in mild-climate countries like The Netherlands. This study estimated the annual hours of occupational heat stress among Dutch workers from 2020 to 2023. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> We used data from the National Employment Survey (NEA), completed annually by a random sample of Dutch workers. Respondents reported their occupation, coded using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). Each respondent was assigned a weighting factor reflecting how many people in the population they represent, allowing estimation of the total number of workers per occupation in The Netherlands. Exposure was estimated using a heat job exposure matrix (Heat-JEM) based on the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) framework defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Heat-JEM integrates metrological data with job-specific information on time spent indoors versus outdoors, physical activity, work clothing, and the presence of local heat or cooling sources. <h3>Results (preliminary)</h3> Between 2020 and 2023, Dutch workers (~3.9 million women, ~4,1 million men) experienced 0 to 1,260 hours of occupational heat stress annually, with an average of 24 hours (11 for women, 36 hours for men). Over 10% of the Dutch workforce was exposed to ≥24 hours per year. Among the most common occupations, cooks were the largest exposed group, with women averaging 1,242 heat stress hours annually (n = 22,487) and men 1,243 hours (n = 50,780). For women, the next largest exposed groups were bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers (725 hours, n = 7,830) and police officers (136 hours, n = 9,843). Among men, bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers (727 hours, n = 10,682), and chemical-heat-treating-plant operators (741 hours, n = 9,104) were most affected. Heat stress in these occupations was mostly caused by local heat sources like ovens. <h3>Conclusion</h3> A substantial number of Dutch workers are affected by occupational heat stress.