IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety

Abstract

Research on the potential effects of climate changes on worker health and safety is still in its infancy. OHS risks can be related to them directly (heat stroke, mortality and morbidity resulting from floods, storms, increased ultraviolet radiation, etc.) or indirectly (infectious diseases, air and water quality, etc.). They can also be associated with the new jobs created by combating or adapting to climate change. In fact, the combating of climate change is offering opportunities for new industries and new jobs in several sectors, such as those in construction, sustainable forestry, agriculture, transport, and recycling.

The objective of this project is to explore the research avenues relating to the impact of climate changes on workers’ health and safety. More specifically, the project will involve the production of a general panorama of the links between climate changes and OHS, the structuring of a procedure promoting joint action and national and international reflection, the identification of priority issues, and the proposal of avenues of research.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2010-0004
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2012
Research Field: Special Projects
Team: