82 Defining health risks and protective interventions for migrant workers impacted by occupational heat exposure: a global systematic review

Abstract

Abstract OP 10: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 2, B207 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 15:45 - 16:45 Aims Migrant workers make up over 60% of international migrants globally and are particularly vulnerable to occupational heat stress due to their employment in “3D”(dirty, dangerous, and demanding) jobs. This systematic review aims to identify the health problems experienced by migrant workers exposed to occupational heat and explore protective interventions to improve their health outcomes. Methods We searched four electronic databases (e.g., Medline, Embase) for primary research studies (January 2014–April 2024) on migrant workers experiencing adverse health outcomes due to high working temperatures. Records were screened by two independent reviewers and data were extracted on study characteristics, population, heat exposure, health outcomes, and interventions. Assessment of study quality was done using Joanna-Briggs Institute checklists. Results were synthesized narratively and reported following PRISMA 2020?guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024519547). Results Nineteen studies were included, mostly in North America (n = 13), involving 2,322 migrants from 14 countries (mainly Mexico, India, Nepal). Most studies (n = 10) were conducted in healthcare facilities, with 90% of workers in construction and agriculture sectors. Working hours ranged from <8 to > 13 hours per day, with temperatures between 18.7 °C and 32.5 °C (wet bulb globe temperature). Reported health outcomes included heat-related illnesses (n = 12), heat strain (n = 6), heat exhaustion (n = 3), dehydration (n = 5), infertility (n = 1), kidney disease (n = 2), poor skin health (n = 2), poor well-being (n = 1), and pregnancy risks (n = 1). Interventions focused on water, rest, shade, skin protection, education, work safety, and healthcare access, but robust evaluations were lacking. Many interventions were inadequately designed or failed to address the level of heat exposure. Conclusions Occupational heat exposure poses significant health risks for migrant workers. While interventions exist, barriers to effectiveness remain. Improved worker education, accessible healthcare, tailored interventions, updated hydration guidelines, and sustainable protective measures are urgently needed.