8287721 Extreme weather events caused by climate change: estimating the prevalence of at-risk workers

<h3>Rationale</h3> Climate change-related extreme weather events are projected to intensify yet there has been little research into the effects of these events on the health of workers. Through a literature review, we identified extreme heat, floods, droughts, and wildfires as priorities for study in Canada. We aim to assess the risk of mental and physical health effects from climate change-related extreme weather events on workers across Canada. <h3>Methods</h3> Employing CAREX Canada methods, we collected data on occupations and industries at risk of the extreme weather events indicated above. We used data from multiple sources to identify the population at risk: 2021 Canadian census, published literature, CAREX Canada estimates, and Canadian occupation databases. These were combined with health impacts and climate change predictions to create risk assessments for each occupation and industry. <h3>Results</h3> Estimates on workers at risk of heat stress as a result of occupational exposure to extreme heat will be presented. Occupations at risk include outdoor workers, as well as indoor workers in settings with inadequate ventilation. Workers who participate in high activity occupations, don protective equipment, and have less autonomy over workplace activities will have a higher hazard score among those exposed. Results will be presented by region in British Columbia, providing specific estimates for areas with greater exposure to extreme heat in the province, and nationwide by province. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results from this study enhance our understanding of the health risks of climate change-related extreme weather events on workers. These results can provide crucial data that can lead to better protection of workers as climate change-related weather events become more common. CAREX Canada has a history of successful knowledge synthesis campaigns that will inform the dissemination of these data and will get the results to the audiences that will be most impactful.