THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THAILAND’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES

Abstract

Environmental change, including climate change, is one of the most urgent problems facing our time. Thailand is especially susceptible to climate change because of its position and reliance on industries that are sensitive to the changing climate. It is anticipated that climate change would increase occupational exposures to chemicals, ozone, high temperatures, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition to increased workplace violence, climate change has been connected to an increase in the spread of wildfires, pathogenic microorganisms, and vector-borne infectious agents. A challenge to the productivity, social well-being, and health and safety of the diverse workforce worldwide is occupational exposure brought on by climate change and rising temperatures. Climate change is predicted to impact both indoor and outdoor workers. Common occupational health problems include heatstroke, headache, exhaustion, insomnia, skin, respiratory, renal, and heart disorders, immunological dysfunction, infections, injuries, cancer, and (in extreme cases) fatality. A range of strategies must be put in place by politicians, governments, and employers to protect workers against the long-term health implications of climate change. Any steps that could be made to lessen the negative health effects of climate change should also be communicated to employees.