O-363 Climate Change and Occupational Health and Safety. The Italian Experience for Monitoring and Preventing the Risk of Injuries During Heatwaves (Worklimate Project)

Abstract Introduction High temperatures occupational exposure induces health risks in workers and reduces work capacity and labour productivity. Preparedness and prevention strategies to reduce heat waves impacts are strongly required, and work-related risk factors consideration is crucial. Recently, a nationwide epidemiological study in Italy has estimated around 4,000 work-related injuries per year linked to heat. Outdoor workers in construction sector and agriculture are majorly involved. Methods Our study describes a prevention system oriented to inform employers, workers and authorities about risk distribution, available tools for managing heat waves at workplaces and formation priorities (WORKLIMATE projects). Results An occupational heat stress forecasting system for the screening of risks has been implemented with predicted heat-risk conditions defined by three levels (from low to high risk). WORKLIMATE represents the first operative tool available to the public health authorities for assessing the occupational exposure to extreme temperatures on a national-wide dimension. Discussion- Conclusion The development of an occupational surveillance system for providing a heat warning framework, identifying territories and vulnerable occupational groups has to be considered as a priority, especially according to climate change scenarios. Actions are needed to protect workers and employers, including low cost measures such as assured access to drinking water in workplaces, frequent rest breaks in shady/cool places, availability of adequate protective equipment (e.g. ventilation jackets or cooling garments) and consider rescheduling work activities preferring cooling periods of the day for more demanding tasks.