Developing a Personalized Occupational Heat Exposure Index

Abstract

As global temperatures rise, there is growing evidence that extreme heat will have a detrimental impact on the lives and livelihoods of workers. Despite adaptations being implemented to protect workers, there remain ascertainment challenges in identifying optimal solutions. We need higher spatial and temporal resolution of heat exposure data that is measured longitudinally─day and night, home and workplace, and across seasons and years. Additionally, we need to improve our understanding of how heat impacts individuals; thresholds for heat are dependent on the outcome of interest and the individuals exposed. Through technological advances in environmental sensors and wearable physiological monitors, it is now possible to pursue personalized occupational heat exposure research in situ and at scale, by measuring the longitudinal physiological and health impacts of varying heat exposures. We propose the development of a Personalized Occupational Heat Exposure Index (POHEI) that combines individualized exposures with physiological impact, enabling in situ evaluation of adaptation interventions to protect the lives and livelihoods of workers most at risk of rising heat.