Impacts of climate change on occupational health indicators in the three climatic regions of Iran

ABSTRACT

Climate change has increased the exposure risk of workers to occupational health risk factors and diseases. This study aims to investigate the impacts of climate change on the occupational health indicators at the workplaces in Iran. This study was conducted during 2021 in three climatic regions of Iran. Required data was collected from Health Deputies of Medical Universities and Iran Meteorological Organization. Stepwise linear regression model used for data analysis and predictions were done based on three scenarios of SSP1–2.6, SSP3–7.0, and SSP5–8.5 during the period of 2021–2100. This indicated 2.6 and 2.9 times higher percentage of workers who were exposed to heat stress and Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, respectively, in the provinces understudy. This study suggests a holistic approach to address potential impacts of climate change on workers’ health and safety that would benefit in making decisions on climate-related planning and developing the adaptation strategies at workplaces.

KEYWORDS:

• Climate change
• occupational health
• workers
• risk factors

Data availability statement

Data supporting study findings are available upon request.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported thereis no funding associated with the work featured in this article.