NYC Workers at Increased Risk During Extreme Summer Heat: New Study Highlights Occupational Threats

A recent study conducted by doctoral student A. Michael Ierardi and Associate Professor Brian Pavilonis sheds light on the rising dangers of extreme heat exposure faced by workers in New York City. As climate change leads to higher temperatures and increased frequency of heat waves, certain occupations within the city are becoming significantly more vulnerable to heat stress. The research, published in the Annals of Work Exposures and Health, utilizes data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to develop a comprehensive risk model.

The findings reveal that over 178,000 workers in the NYC metropolitan region are engaged in the high-risk categories most susceptible to heat-related issues. Notably, landscaping, groundskeeping, and construction laborers represent more than half of these heat-vulnerable workers, with over 51,000 and 46,000 individuals respectively. The study underscores the urgency of implementing effective heat mitigation policies, especially as projections indicate NYC could experience five to nine heat waves annually by the 2050s, up from an average of two per year between 1981 and 2010.

The anticipated rise in heat waves is expected to correlate with a sharp increase in heat-related deaths, which could range from 150 to more than 1,500 annually by mid-century. To combat this growing threat, authors emphasize the importance of policies like the Temperature Extreme Mitigation Program (TEMP) Act. Successful implementation will depend on strong enforcement and targeted outreach efforts aimed at vulnerable populations, including workers with limited English proficiency and those in hard-to-reach sectors.

This research provides vital insights for policymakers and public health officials aiming to protect at-risk workers from the escalating risks of heat stress in a warming climate. Continued focus on occupational safety and proactive mitigation strategies are essential to safeguard the health of NYC's workforce amid these climatic challenges.

Source: Medical Xpress