Occupational Safety and Health Affected by Climate Change: Future Challenges and Research Agenda

Abstract

The global Vision Zero approach aims to reduce work-related injuries, diseases, and deaths as much as possible. Proactive planning of work and the working environment as well as early identification of emerging risks and workload factors will promote the occupational safety and health (OSH) of employees. In the future, climate change may both directly and indirectly influence OSH. This study investigates the OSH effects that have been identified in interdisciplinary studies related to climate change. Moreover, it examines various ways of adjusting to climate change. The methods consist of a literature review and a qualitative content analysis of documents. This interdisciplinary study expands on the current knowledge of future challenges concerning OSH with respect to climate change. Practical means of adapting to climate change have rarely been suggested at the organizational level. Future studies should explore approaches to adapting to climate change and develop related practices.