Identifying workers at risk of exposure to climate-related health hazards using the Outdoor Occupational Exposure Matrix: A characterization of the Massachusetts workforce.
cross_sectional · Level IV
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42374638.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003814.
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Abstract
We aimed to examine which workers are more likely to work outdoors, and therefore at risk of occupational exposure to climate-related health hazards. We developed a matrix that assigns outdoor/indoor exposure levels to occupations. We used 2018-2022 American Community Survey data to estimate the number and percentage of Massachusetts workers who worked outdoors by select characteristics. An estimated 17.5% of workers (nearly 641,000) worked outdoors. The percentage was highest in the Construction industry (80.2%), higher among males than females (28.1% vs. 6.4%) and varied by race/ethnicity, with the highest percentage among American Indian/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic/non-Latino workers (29.2%). This matrix could be used for climate-related health research and practice. Understanding the numbers and characteristics of workers more likely to work outdoors can inform planning and equitable implementation of prevention efforts.