Heat and Work, Health, and Safety in Australia: Intra-urban risk assessment, future projections, and workplace policy analysis
Date
2023
Authors
Fatima, Syeda Hira
Editors
Advisors
Bi, Peng
Rothmore, Paul
Giles, Lynne C.
Rothmore, Paul
Giles, Lynne C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Thesis
Citation
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
High ambient temperatures pose significant challenges for Work, Health, and Safety (WHS) with increased risk of occupational injuries and illnesses (OI). Previous studies provide evidence on the impacts of heat on OI at broader scales. However, such heat exposure may vary at an intra-urban scale. Analysing the location-specific heat-related OI risk within cities is crucial for tailored risk reduction. Therefore, this thesis aimed to understand the multifaceted impacts of heat on WHS at intra-urban scale, with the main objectives:1. Conducting such intra-urban risk assessments in diverse climates of Australia, 2. Identifying vulnerable groups of workers, 3. Projecting future OI risk under climate change scenarios, 4. Assessing the efficacy of existing heat-related policies in high-risk industries. A mixed method approach was utilised. In the quantitative part, the associated impacts of heat on OI were estimated in four cities of Australia including Greater Adelaide, Greater Brisbane, Greater Melbourne, and Greater Sydney. The epidemiological assessments were conducted using time series study design coupled with distributed lag non-linear models using quasi-poison distribution at statistical area level 3. Vulnerable groups of workers were identified based on their environmental, personal and workplace characteristics. Risk of OI and attributable fraction (AF) associated with projected climate change scenarios were also predicted for the four cities. In the qualitative part, WHS policy documents were assessed thematically using a framework of analysis approach in high risk construction industry. The policy documents were acquired from one large commercial construction company and its sub-contractors.
The risk of OI varied geographically within cities. Typically, areas characterized by consistently hot weather conditions posed a heightened OI risk for workers. In Greater Adelaide, it was the northern and western regions that exhibited greater vulnerability among workers. In Greater Brisbane and Greater Sydney, workers in the western inland areas had a higher burden of heat-related OI compared to eastern coastal areas. In Greater Melbourne, workers in densely populated inner-city regions were vulnerable to the impacts of heat. Overall, younger workers (aged < 45 years), male workers, those engaged in heavy physical work, and those working predominantly outdoors were at elevated risk of OI. The complex interactions between environmental and socio-economic factors played an essential role in the spatial patterns of heat-related OI risk dynamics. Regions with less vegetation and lower socio-economic status were found to be more vulnerable. Such risk is predicted to increase due to climate change. Cities with warm baseline climates, such as Greater Brisbane and Greater Sydney, will face a higher risk. Policy document analysis suggests that the development and implementation of heat-related policies are still in their early stages. Priorities for heat-related policy development include an increased emphasis on preparation and planning for hot weather and considering localised workplace and individual risk factors in assessing the heat hazards. Research findings with location-specific risk identification will have implications for OI risk prevention by relevant stakeholders. Outcomes form this study will be helpful for WHS field to identify vulnerability, plan for better WHS measurements such as advocacy, urban planning, infrastructure development, emergency preparedness, and community engagement.
School/Discipline
School of Public Health
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, 2023
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals