Ss03-02 Climate Changes and Ageing Workers

Abstract Introduction Health and work ability are impacted by the aging process, with potential declines in physical and cognitive abilities, an increase in illness burden and mortality, which can be exacerbated by changing climatic conditions (EPA 2022). With an ageing population and increased expectations for longer working lives, the need for employees to maintain good health is of critical importance. Materials and Methods This presentation will explore emerging research on the relationships between older workers and the impacts of climate change and discuss implications for research in occupational health. Results A range of risks associated with climate change are important considerations for occupational health, and include: extreme weather conditions, increased ambient temperature, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, communicable diseases, habitat modifications, built environments. A need exists to take a systematic approach to the development of appropriate risk controls and might include: adaption to current threshold exposures, risk management guidelines, changes to requirements for personal protective equipment, early warning systems, a need for acclimatization procedures, rethinking appropriate work design and workload, continuous training of OSH professionals, leadership personnel and workers. However, given the rapid changes that we are witnessing due to climate change, further research is needed to support occupational health practice and ensure we are using contemporary evidence to support older workers in sustainable employment. Conclusion High quality surveillance data is needed on impacts on ageing workers due to a changing environmental profile. Acknowledgments CNPq-productivity grant to FM Fischer (306963/2021-3)