The rising intensity and frequency of heatwaves in the United States has brought to light a concerning issue: the heightened risk of work disability among older, marginalized workers due to extreme heat exposure. This is a critical topic that demands our attention and action.
Researchers from Rutgers Health, in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), have uncovered a disturbing trend. Their study, published in the journal Generations, delves into the impact of heat-sensitive occupations on the health and work limitations of adults aged 50 and above.
Using nationally representative data, the researchers found that workers in outdoor jobs, such as agriculture and construction, or those in poorly climate-controlled indoor environments, are more susceptible to health issues that limit their ability to work. These occupations are disproportionately occupied by men, immigrants, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who often face additional health challenges like obesity and diabetes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Requirement Survey reveals that a significant 33% of the civilian workforce is exposed to outdoor conditions as part of their jobs.
"Extreme heat is not merely an environmental concern; it's a matter of public health and workforce sustainability," says Mara Getz Sheftel, an instructor at the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy and the lead author of the study.
Sheftel emphasizes, "Our research highlights the disproportionate impact of heat exposure on marginalized populations, who are more likely to face long-term health consequences from their work environments."
The study further exposes disparities in access to workplace protections and healthcare. Workers in informal or temporary roles, such as delivery drivers and street vendors, often lack employer-sponsored health insurance and may be excluded from heat-related safety regulations.
While some states and cities have implemented local regulations to address occupational exposures, the study authors advocate for stronger federal and local policies to safeguard workers from extreme heat.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed rules that would require employers to provide essential resources like water, rest breaks, and heat illness prevention plans. However, these regulations are yet to be enacted, leaving vulnerable workers at risk.
"Without comprehensive protections, we risk exacerbating the vulnerability of workers who are already disproportionately affected by heat-related health issues," Sheftel warns. She also serves as an instructor in the Department of Health, Behavior, Society, and Policy at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
The researchers urge policymakers to consider preventive measures, including workplace safeguards, increased access to disability funding and health insurance, and vocational training for workers who can no longer perform heat-exposed jobs.
The study was co-authored by Jennifer Brite of Hunter College and Na Yin and Deborah Balk of Baruch College, all faculty members at the CUNY Institute for Demographic Research.
For more information, refer to the study titled "Burn Out Reimagined: Extreme Heat, Work Disability, and Sociodemographic Disparities in America" by Mara Getz Sheftel et al., published in Generations.
