OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine which workers are more likely to work outdoors, and therefore at risk of occupational exposure to climate-related health hazards. METHODS: We developed a matrix that assigns outdoor/indoor exposure levels to occupations. We used 2018-2022 American Community Survey data to estimate the number and percentage of Massachusetts workers who worked outdoors by select characteristics. RESULTS: An estimated 17.5% of workers (nearly 641,000) worked outdoors. The percentage was highest in the Construction industry (80.2%), higher among males than females (28.1% vs. 6.4%) and varied by race/ethnicity, with the highest percentage among American Indian/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic/non-Latino workers (29.2%). CONCLUSION: This matrix could be used for climate-related health research and practice. Understanding the numbers and characteristics of workers more likely to work outdoors can inform planning and equitable implementation of prevention efforts.
Fitzsimmons et al. (Tue,) studied this question.