The impacts of climate change on occupational health and work among outdoor workers: A scoping review

Climate change has a significant impact on human health and productivity at work. Environmental changes, including extreme temperatures and natural disasters, contribute to psychological pressures and physical impairments which affect quality of life and well-being. This scoping review examines the effect of climate change on human health in occupational settings. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO identified empirical studies that analyzed the impacts of climate change on human health in relation to work. Eligible studies included employed individuals aged 18–65, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024, and evidence linking climate change to occupational health outcomes. Studies underwent title, abstract, and full-text screening. The scoping review, registered with the Open Science Framework, includes 62 studies. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) climate change and mental health; (2) climate change and physical health; and (3) climate change and work. Research has demonstrated the association of psychological distress with extreme weather events, occupational stress, and anxiety among outdoor workers. Physical health risks associated with higher temperatures include chronic dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and other injuries. Climate change also negatively impacts work productivity, leading to increased labour shortages and subsequent economic losses. Climate change has complex effects on the physical and mental health of workers, with significant implications for productivity and safety in the workplace. Despite growing evidence, targeted interventions remain limited. Future studies should examine the long-term health consequences, develop standardized alleviation strategies, and implement policies to protect employees from climate-related occupational hazards.