Risk communication and worker training: building awareness and resilience against thermal stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36125/ijoehy.v17i1.596Keywords:
risk communication, thermal stressAbstract
Risk communication is a key component of risk analysis, together with risk assessment and management. It involves sharing information and perspectives about risks from industrial, environmental, and human activities with stakeholders and decision-makers. Effective communication requires addressing risk perception, which depends on psychological, social, and cultural factors. In the context of climate change, increasing public and occupational awareness of health risks—especially heat-related ones—is essential. Although awareness of climate-related hazards is growing, significant gaps persist in education and training, particularly among workers exposed to high temperatures. Outdoor workers and those wearing protective clothing are especially vulnerable to heat stress and heat stroke. Therefore, proactive communication and long-term prevention strategies must be implemented to strengthen climate resilience. Structured heat stress training programs should educate both workers and supervisors before exposure to hot conditions, covering the recognition of symptoms, preventive behaviors, appropriate use of PPE, non-occupational factors affecting heat tolerance, acclimatization, and emergency response. Ultimately, integrating risk communication, education, and preventive training represents a central strategy to protect workers’ health and ensure the sustainability of occupational safety in a changing climate.
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