Highlights on the severe health and safety risks posed by climate change
The essay "Protecting Outdoor Workers From Climate Change Impacts Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration" by Jessica C. Kelley, DNP, RN, and Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC highlights the severe health and safety risks climate change poses to the 64 million U.S. workers who spend significant time outdoors. These workers face increased exposure to extreme weather, leading to health issues and socio-economic consequences, especially for low-income and minority communities.
Addressing these challenges
Kelley and Tsai emphasize the necessity of interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration to address these challenges. Occupational health professionals must work with public health experts, union representatives, urban planners, and environmental scientists to develop effective strategies. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is crucial for creating tailored interventions that meet specific community needs. An example cited shows a successful CBPR initiative that improved workplace health standards significantly.
The collaborative approach is vital due to the lack of specific climate-related regulations by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Leveraging diverse expertise can drive meaningful improvements in protecting outdoor workers.
