April - June
2024

GLOBAL EXPOSURE MANAGER
SPECIAL EDITION ON IOHA 2024
Editor: Maharshi Mehta, CIH, CSP, FAIHA
Email: maharshi.mehta@ioha.net

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April - June 2024

Reflections on the 13th IOHA International
Scientific Conference in Dublin
Nuala Flavin | Occupational Hygiene Society of Ireland, nuflavin@outlook.com,
Margaret Kirby | Assistant Editor, Health & Safety Review, IRN Publishing, margaret.kirby@irn.ie

The Occupational Hygiene Society of
Ireland (OHSI) and the British
Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) cohosted the 13th IOHA International
Scientific Conference at the Aviva
Stadium in Dublin from June 9th to 13th.
Attracting 665 delegates from 45
countries, the conference focused on"Protecting workers from health hazards:
Advancing in this changing world."
Delegates were eager to meet face-toface to discuss occupational health issues
and connect with international colleagues.

and Packaging Regulations (CLP). She
added there are several projects toenforce these regulations and that ECHA
also provides scientifically robust opinions
to facilitate developing occupational
exposure limits. Making the connection
between information which is understoodand its relevance to worker healthprotection, she said that occupational
hygienists have an important role to play,
particularly in relation to humanbiomonitoring.
Dr. Balakrishnan, an environmental healthscientist from India in her key-note
speech highlighted that nearly 0.5 million
deaths and 11.8 million Disability Adjusted
Life Years (DALYs) were linked tooccupational air pollution worldwide in
2019. She stressed the importance ofprioritizing actions to improve air quality,
such as promoting the use of gas oversolid fuels. In his key-note speech,
Professor Cas Badenhorst, from a global
mining and metal company, emphasized
how real-time exposure measurements are
revolutionizing the immediate
measurement of airborne substances,leading to the control of particulate
exposures.

This electrifying event featured over 250
contributions, including presentations,
themed sessions, workshops, debates, alaunch of Breathe Freely Ireland,
exhibitors, posters, and keynote lectures.
Twelve, three-hour Professional
Development Courses (PDCs) were held
before the conference free of charge toconference delegates from outstanding
speakers on the most relevant topics. The
Emerging Leader Institute (ELI), prior tothe conference, provided unprecedented
opportunities for ELI participants to learn
leadership skills.
Welcoming delegates to the start of theconference, the OHSI President, Shara
Smith, emphasised that “every worker has
the right to a safe and healthy working
environment.” Launching the event, Dr.
Sharon McGuinness, Executive Director of
the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
and former Chief Executive Officer of the
Health and Safety Authority (HSA), gave an
overview of ECHA’s role in protecting
workers from exposure to hazardous
chemicals. This, she said, is achieved
through EU regulations, including theRegistration, Evaluation, Authorization,
and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation(REACH) and the Classification, Labelling“By collaborating and working closely
together on REACH and occupationalsafety and health, we can ensure
workers are protected” Dr. Sharon
McGunness
Dr. Lisa Brosseau, known for her researchin infectious diseases, underscored theimportance of occupational hygienists'
involvement in setting guidelines andstandards for infectious agents anddisease prevention in workplaces.

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200 plus years old Dublin City Hall, which
provided a unique setting for networking.
A gala dinner was held at the Aviva
Stadium and the events Casella and theInstitute of Occupational Medicine
sponsored also provided additional
opportunities for conference participants
to network and experience Irish
hospitality.

Mr. Roger Alesbury, representing the
Occupational Hygiene Training
Association (OHTA), highlighted theglobal need for qualified occupational
hygienists and provided pathways to
becoming qualified in occupational
hygiene.
The conference sessions featured themost diverse industry types, including
pharmaceuticals, metal fabrication,mining, healthcare, renewable energy,
and agriculture, to name a few.

The conference paved the way for interorganization and inter- country
collaboration, which will go a long way
toward reducing potential occupational
health risks globally.

During a dedicated session on Breathe
Freely, which originated from the British
Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS),OHSI launched the Irish version of theBreathe Freely campaign(www.breathefreely.ie). Additionalpresentations discussed lessons learned
from the Australian and Canadianexperiences in implementing Breathe
Freely initiative. The rollout plan for
Breathe Freely in the United States was
also discussed. These initiatives are atestament to the success of Breathe
Freely initiative.

The theme of protecting workers wasechoed across the full and varied programof this exciting four-day event, where spot
prizes for the best posters were awarded
each day, and a presentation made to thewinner of a national student competition
for free attendance at this memorable
event.
As the conference delegates return to theirrespective fields armed with newknowledge and connections, the impact of
this conference is sure to resonate
globally, shaping the future ofoccupational hygiene practices.

The 13th IOHA International
Scientific Conference in Dublin was a
resounding successon all counts.
Kudos to all event planners andorganizers from IOHA, BOHS, andOHSI for their remarkable efforts inthe conference's success. IOHA
sincerely thanks all conference
sponsors.

The social events played a vital role infostering networking opportunities. The
International Safety Systems (ISS)sponsored a welcome reception at the2

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IOHA2024 Dublin: Reflections from IOHA
President
Samantha Connell, IOHA President, samantha.connell.cih@outlook.com
Hosting an international conference is nosmall feat. IOHA2024 was a testament to
the dedication and passion of everyone
involved and the general sense ofvolunteering across our great profession.
On behalf of IOHA, I want to extend a
special thank you to the Occupational
Hygiene Society of Ireland and the British
Occupational Hygiene Society for taking
on the responsibility of hosting IOHA2024
and making it a world-class event. I would
like to recognize Nuala Flavin (Organizing
Committee Chair) and Alison Connolly(Scientific Committee Chair) from OHSI,
as well as Kate Jones for her support with
the Scientific Committee, and Marie
Townshend for the event planning andexecution from BOHS.

talented professionals to gather for thisexperience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of
IOHA2024 was the diversity of attendees.
Participants hailed from various corners of
the globe, bringing with them a wealth ofperspectives and experiences. This
diversity was not just in terms of nationality
but also in the range of professional
backgrounds represented. It was inspiring
to see how different cultures anddisciplines could come together to enrichdiscussions and broaden collective
understanding.
The scientific program was meticulously
curated to ensure a comprehensive andbalanced representation of our field, fromcutting- edge research and thoughtprovoking presentations to practicalworkshops like the World Cafe. The
program catered to various interests andexpertise. The quality of the content was a
testament to the hard work of our scientificand organizing committees and thecontributions of our distinguishedspeakers.

As I reflect on the experience, several key
points stand out, each contributing to theextraordinary nature of the event: diversityof attendees, the well-rounded scientificprogram, the energy and networking
among participants and a common theme
that repeatedly appeared – promoting thevalue of our profession.

The energy at the conference was palpablefrom the moment we began. There was adaily buzz of excitement in the Aviva
Atrium and throughout the stadium halls.
Networking opportunities were abundant.
It was particularly gratifying to witness theconnections being made, knowing thatthese interactions would lead to futurecollaborations and innovations in our field.

While most of our member organizations
host a local annual conference or eventthat provides a strong technical orscientific program, a tailored social
program and opportunities to network
among their members, the IOHA triennial
conference is so special because it is an
opportunity for our larger community ofA recurring theme throughout theconference was the importance of
advocacy and promoting the value of our
profession to advance in this changing
world. Keynote speakers and panel
discussions often circled back to theimportance of advocacy and influencing
policymaking, providing strategies and3

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inspiring stories that underscored ourcollective responsibility to champion ourwork. This emphasis on advocacy
highlighted the current challenges we faceand galvanized us to continue striving for
greater impact and recognition.
IOHA2024 was a powerful reminder of thestrength and potential of our global
community. As we move forward, let us
carry the lessons and connections fromthis event, promoting and advancing our
profession with renewed vigor and ashared purpose.
We hope to see you at IOHA2027 inMontreal, Canada!

Emerging Leaders Institute Update
Samantha Connell, IOHA President, samantha.connell.cih@outlook.com
The inaugural Emerging Leaders Institutewas held the weekend before the IOHA
2024 conference from Friday, June 7th tothe afternoon of Sunday, June 9th, 2024,
at the Clayton Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin,
Ireland. ELI focuses on strengthening theleadership skills of early career
Occupational, Environmental, Health &Safety (OEHS) professionals through threemain areas: awareness and influence ofself and others to expand leadershipcapabilities, building and managing highperformance teams, and making a lasting
impact on the future of the profession. The
program is designed for young
professionals with fewer than 15 years ofwork experience.

The committee would like to extend a
thank you to ELI Supporters: IOHA, British
Occupational Hygiene Society, Dutch
Occupational Hygiene Society (NVvA),
Indorama Ventures PCL, Institute ofOccupational Medicine, Casella, Shaw City,
the Stephen Davis Memorial Fund andmany individual contributors.
Andea Hiddinga, past president of
IOHA and board member of the Dutch
Occupational Hygiene Society, isgraciously sharing her experience as a
facilitator in the augural ELI below.

Thirty-five participants from nineteen countries were in attendance. The future of
ELI is to be determined, but one thing is for sure: there is a unanimous call for thiscohort to meet at IOHA2027 and for the next group of emerging leaders to taketheir turn as well!

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Journal of an ELI Facilitator: A Poetic Chronicleof Emerging Leaders
Andrea Hiddinga, IOHA Past President and ELI facilitator, andrea@ahoh-projects.com
Day 1: June 7, 2024 - Dublin, a New Dawn
It is Friday morning, 10 a.m., and theBallsbridge Hotel in Dublin hums with
anticipation! Participants of the Emerging
Leaders Institute (ELI) gather a colourful
mosaic of 19 nationalities, each bringing
dreams and aspirations. Some arrived
early, soaking in Dublin's charm, whileothers, fresh off morning flights, rushed inwith breathless excitement. Their journeybegan months ago, with their resumes andletters of recommendation leading to thisgathering.

discussions ensue, fostering mutual
recognition and camaraderie. During
breaks, conversations flow, andconnections deepen. Leadership andaccountability partners are chosen, theirsignificance underscored by Megan andAlex's own journey.
Afternoon deepens into more intricate
color code details—secondary colors, filtersof life experiences. Discussions ofcomplementary and non-complementary
relationships, driven by logic and emotion,
weave through the session. The day
concludes with a BBQ, where reflections
mix with future visions for OEHS in various
homelands. As dusk settles around 10 p.m.,the first day of ELI training wraps up,
leaving a buzz of anticipation for what’s tocome.

At 11 a.m., the facilitators—Megan, Alex
Perry, Samantha, and Andrea—extend theirwarm welcome. Expectations are shared,
and journals handed out, ready to capture
the unfolding experiences. The firstexercise, the helium stick, sets the tone.
Divided into color groups—red, blue, yellow,
and white— participants quickly realize thechallenge of synchrony, even with likeminded peers. Laughter and insights fill
the room as they grapple with the task, amicrocosm of leadership dynamics.

Day 2: June 8, 2024 - Escape andExploration
Saturday dawns early. Some participants
opt for a morning run, others for a quiet
ritual. The day begins with a quick partner
check-in, reflecting on the previous day's
insights. Then, a change in pace—armed
with running shoes, jackets, and Leap
cards, participants embark on an escape
tour through Dublin's heart, following thefootsteps of Molly Malone.
After being briefed by Andrea, the groups
set off to report at the William Smith
O'Brien statue as soon as possible toreceive their access code from Perry andAlex. The legend of Molly Malone, herquest for wealth and escape from Gerry
Adams, unfolds as participants navigate
the city, answering questions, snapping
creative photos, and strategizing their way
through Dublin’s streets. Laughter andteamwork abound, a testament to thebonding power of shared adventure.

ELI Cohort 2024
The Color Code methodology follows,
unveiling core motives—Power, Intimacy,
Peace, or Fun. Participants cluster with
their color kin, debating strengths,
limitations, desires, and pet peeves. Lively

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Just before lunch is served, luminary
Chris Laszcs-Davis gives her insights
on her journey into leadership. Afterlunch, participants gain insights fromseven community leaders: Nicole
Greeson, Sarah Leeson, Nancy
McClellan, David Rodriguez, Larry
Sloan, Cas Badenhorst, and Ruth
Jimenez. These dialogues inspireparticipants and offer a treasure troveof wisdom and practical advice.

“This event has been a turnaroundin my career and Leadership
Journey. It would be great if thiscontinues as the World lacks
leaders in various sectors.”
Returning to the Ballsbridge Hotel,
lunch is a time for storytelling.
Afternoon sessions led by Perry delve
into the essence of high-performanceteams, reflecting on core values andtraits. The Red and Black game follows
a stark lesson in team dynamics andthe sometimes-painful path tounderstanding. Evening brings respite
at Paddy Cullen's Pub—food, drinks, live
music, and camaraderie flow freely,
ending the day on a joyous note.

The final session focuses on actionplans. Participants create personalleadership commitments captured inquotes or photos and develop 30- 6090-day plans with their partners. These
commitments are shared, fostering acollective spirit of progress andaccountability.
As the sun sets on Dublin, the ELI
participants leave with hearts full,minds sharp, and a network ofallies. The journey of leadership,
now richer and more nuanced,
stretches ahead, promising growth,challenge, and triumph.

Day 3: June 9, 2024 - Cultural
Insights and Future Commitments
Sunday morning, and participants trickle
in, seeking coffee comfort. Samantha, everenergetic, begins the day solo but soon
gathers the group for the day's
introduction. Morning check-ins reveal
lingering reflections on the Red-Black
game, fostering a rich evaluation of its
lessons.

The reflections from ELI participants,
echoing the three-day journey, capture
the essence of what the ELI training
meant to its participants—a blend of
personal growth, professional
development, and deep, meaningfulconnections.

Samantha introduces the culture map,
based on Dr. Erin Meyer's research.
Discussions on cultural reactions andcommunications spark vibrant exchanges,
highlighting the critical importance ofunderstanding cultural nuances in teamdynamics. Groups delve into eightcategories, exploring how these insights
can shape effective teamwork.

“Attending the ELI was the mostinfluential early career decision I’ve
ever made. Not only was it a great
networking event, but it was anopportunity to collaborate on a global
level that I wouldn’t have been able todo otherwise. We will change theworld!”

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IOHA Updates
IOHA Spring 2024 Board Meeting

The planned conference center is hightech, sustainable, and situated rightdowntown, with access to 16,000 hotel
rooms. Montréal is the home of Institut
de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et ensécurité du travail (IRSST), a globally
recognized research center dedicated toadvancing and mobilizing scientific andtechnical knowledge in occupational
hygiene and home of MultiPrévention
ASP, an association devoted to theprevention of occupational injury orillness in the manufacturing industry. As
one of the founding members of the
IOHA, the CRBOH participated in the first
IOHA meeting in 1987 held in Montréal.

Samantha Connell, IOHA President,
samantha.connell.cih@outlook.com

The IOHA Spring 2024 board meeting
occurred on Friday, June 14, in themagnificent Thomas Prior Hall of Dublin.
There were 32 in-person attendees
present among board members,committee chairs, and observers.
Presentations included Executive
Committee updates, Committee Chair
updates, bids for IOHA2027, and a forum
for board members to provide feedback
openly. There was an overwhelming
appreciation for meeting so manycolleagues in person, and many declared
renewed energy.

Downtown Montréal
Participants at IOHA Board meeting

IOHA 2023 Annual Report from
Then IOHA President Maharshi
Mehta

Finalized! 14th IOHA
International Scientific
Conference in Montréal Québec in
September 2027

Highlighted in this annual report are theshared accomplishments. Three moreassociations (Chile, Mongolia, andNigeria) were added to a total of 42 IOHA
associations.

The Canadian Registration Board ofOccupational Hygienists (CRBOH) is
pleased to announce that they will host the
14th IOHA International Scientific
Conference in Montréal Québec in
September 2027. Montréal is a vibrant citythat combines fun and games with safetyassurance and thrives on diversity andrespect. With a world-famous culinary
scene and an exciting cultural calendar thatnever stops, Montréal hosts over 100
cutting-edge festivals.

IOHA conducted 12+ webinars for the
first time, covering 800+ attendees from30+ countries on the most relevant topics
from outstanding speakers.
IOHA Global Exposure Manager (GEM)
newsletter was revitalized with 2500+
impressions on social media and costsavings of 4000 GBP.

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IOHA Updates
IOHA Webinars

IOHA achieved a 12.5% increase in cash
reserve over the previous two years fromsound fiscal management and otherfactors.

IOHA continued to offer the most engaging
webinars on unique aspects ofoccupational hygiene. 130+ Participants
attended the IOHA webinar on
Ototoxicants. Eduardo Shaw, CIH, CSP,
offered an outstanding webinar thatreceived rave reviews, such as "Thank you
for an excellent and very needed
presentation. Very well done!"

IOHA recognizes financial contributions
from Amazon.

Webinar Participants

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Member Updates
Updates from the Italian Association of Industrial Hygiene(AIDII)
1

2

Andrea Spinazzé, Andrea Martinelli, Mariella Carrieri

2

1 Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, 22100
Como, Italy. andrea.spinazze@uninsubria.it
2 Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of
Padua, 35132 Padova, Italy. andrea.martinelli@unipd.it; mariella.carrieri@unipd.it
The Italian Association of Industrial Hygienists (AIDII) organized the 40th National
Congress of Industrial and Environmental Hygiene from June 26 to June 28, 2024, at the
Palazzodella Salute in the beautiful city of Padua. The conference's scientific committeedelivered a high-quality event that attracted more than 250 participants, underscoring thegrowing importance of topics related to workplace health and safety and environmental
hygiene. The congress offered a rich and varied program with numerous contributions
from national and international experts (80 oral presentations and 25 posters) and the
keynotes of Samantha Connell and Angelo Moretto during the Opening Ceremony.
A very emotional time was the moment of silence to remember the worldwide victims ofwork-related accidents and diseases. An empty seat was reserved for the victims
throughout the conference.
The 40th National Congress of Industrial and Environmental Hygiene was a success interms of both participation and content quality. It provided a valuable platform forlearning, exchange of ideas, and networking.

Conference attendants during the OpeningCeremony, Gala dinner,and the guided tour “A Walk in Padua”.
Photographer: Andrea Martinelli.

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Member Updates
Heat Stress App from the American Industrial
Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ed Rutkowski, director of periodicals at AIHA® and editor-in-chief of The Synergist®
erutkowski@aiha.org
In June, a beta version of the AIHA Heat Stress Mobile App underwent user testing. It
was anticipated that the app would be ready for wide release on both Android and iOS
platforms by the middle of July.
A project of AIHA’s Thermal Stress Working Group, the AIHA Heat Stress Mobile App
improves upon the Heat Safety Tool released by U.S. OSHA and NIOSH in 2017. Bothapps access weather data and present users with qualitative risk levels and recommended
preventive measures, but the OSHA/NIOSH version is based on heat index while the AIHA
app uses WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) index, a more accurate environmental
metric of heat stress.
The AIHA app not only calculates the current WBGT index but also forecasts what the
WBGT index will be up to five days ahead of time. Knowing the forecasted WBGT index
allows employers to schedule work accordingly, perhaps by shifting heavier work to themorning.
Also part of the app’s initial release is a clothing adjustment factor. By default, the app
assumes users are wearing a t-shirt and jeans, but users can choose among a few
protective ensembles; the more impermeable the clothing, the greater its potential
contribution to heat stress. The app also accepts user input regarding cloud cover. If
nothing is selected, the app assumes the user is working in direct sunlight. And users canselect one of four workloads—light, moderate, heavy, or very heavy—and set reminders torest and hydrate based on their work schedules.
Based on the inputs for clothing, ambient weather, and workload, the app adjusts theuser’s WBGT index and the resulting risk level. Once the risk level is determined, the app
delivers appropriate protective measures. Users can access links to authoritative
resources on heat stress and an explanation of how to help coworkers who may be
experiencing heat-related illness.
The app can access weather data throughout North, Central, and South America, and isavailable not only in English but also in French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Eventual
expansion to other parts of the world is possible. Further development is planned, with
updates released on a regular, perhaps annual, basis.
This article is excerpted from the June/July issue of The Synergist. The fullarticle is available at aiha.info/syn2406app.

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Member Updates
Association of Industrial Hygienists Nigeria (AIHN) Webinar
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, the Association of Industrial Hygienists Nigeria (AIHN)
conductedthe second webinar of the year 2024. The webinar was facilitated by Dr. Dennis
Terpin, a Master-Level Instructor and retired Senior Industrial Hygienist with over five
decades of experience. The webinar focused on "Hazard and Risk Assessment Respiratory
Protection During Disaster Management."Dr. Terpin emphasized pre-planning for emergencies, recognizing hazards, and thecritical first 100 minutes of a disaster. The session was engaging and brought unmatchedinsights, with a record peak attendance of 110 participants from 12 countries.
The #AIHN2024 tagged "Addressing Occupational Health Risks in Nigeria: Strengthening
the Role of Industrial Hygiene." was officially unveiled during the webinar. Thisannouncement has set the stage for the third Annual Conference of the AIHN, scheduled
to host OEHS Professionals from across the globe from November 7 to 9, 2024. Mark yourcalendars - this will be an event like no other!

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Upcoming Events
EXPO2025 Safety, Health, and Wellbeing for All
Samantha Connell, IOHA President, samantha.connell.cih@outlook.com
EXPO 2025 is an international exposition that will be held in Osaka, Japan, from April 13
to October 13, 2025, with a week dedicated to Safety, Health and Well-being (SHW) from
July 16 – 19, 2025. The theme of the expo is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives".
EXPO 2025 will be a monumental moment for our field, as it is the first time that SHW willbe allotted a week at an international expo.
During the program, Expo visitors and SHW experts worldwide will have the opportunity toenjoy six exciting activities: a Summit, a World Assembly, an ILO Youth Congress, anInternational Symposium, a Festival, and a Theme Park/Exhibition.
As a member of the Executive Committee and Working Groups for the International
Symposium and World Assembly, IOHA will be present and participating in several of theevents listed above. IOHA members from across the world can also join the SHW weekduring the expo at a discounted rate.
IOHA members from Low- and Lower-middle Income Countries are entitled to a 40%
reduction in the registration fee
IOHA members who are officially registered students are entitled to a 60% fee
reduction in the registration fee
All other IOHA delegates will be entitled to a special fee reduction of 30%
IOHA will be communicating more on the various events throughout the SHW week. For
now, save the date and check out more details here:
GISHW - Global Initiative for Safety, Health & Well-being

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Upcoming EventsFirst Occupational Health, Safety and Environment
Conference Viet Nam Vietnamese Industrial Hygiene
Association (VIHA)
Tuan Nguyen,MBA, CIH, CSP, ARM, FAIHA,Vice President, VIHA
tuancihcsp@gmail.com

The first Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment conference will be held in Hanoi,
Vietnam, from October 14 to October 26, 2024. The conference is hosted by the Faculty ofEnvironmental Sciences, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (FESHUS-VNU), and the Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies(CRES-VNU)). The organizers invite you to attend the conference and participate as
session moderators, presenters, or abstract reviewers. This pivotal event will bring
together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from around the globe.

MIHA-ICE'24 & 7ᵗʰ ANOH Conference 2024
Philip Hibbs, President, ANOH philip.hibbs@hibbs.com.au

The Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association (MIHA) & the Asian Network of
Occupational Hygiene (ANOH) will jointly host the MIHA International Conference &Exhibition 2024 (MIHA-ICE '24) & the 7th ANOH Conference 2024. The conference will
be held on October 17 to October 23, 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.
The conference theme is “Connect for Innovative Change—The Asian Way,” with the aimof fostering collaboration, exchanging best practices, sharing lessons learned, andpromoting innovative solutions to enhance Industrial Hygiene (IH) / Occupational
Hygiene (OH) standards in the region.
Please refer to the website for more information. https://mihaice.anoh2024.org/

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Upcoming Events
ISRP conference

21st International Conference on “Respiratory Protection Use and Users” from theEuropean Section of the International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP) will beheld at Oxford, UK from September 22 to September 24, 2024.
The conference is a great opportunity to hear about and to share the very latest in
respiratory protection research, innovations, applications, and many other topics, with theinternational community. The conference will include a technical presentation program, aposter session, an exhibition and many networking opportunities.
Registration and Information Link for the Conference

The Southern African Institute for Occupational
Hygiene (SAIO) Annual Conference 2024
“Sustainable Occupational Hygiene in Changing Work Environments andEmerging Economies”
SAIOH is inviting participants from Southern African
nations and all other countries to its upcoming Annual
Conference, which will be held in Gaborone, Botswana,from October 21 to October 24, 2024.
The SAIOH Annual Conference will be held in a hybrid
format so that participants can attend in person andvirtually.
Link for additional information on the SAIO Conference

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Upcoming Events
The Association of Industrial Hygienists, Lagos Nigeria(AIHN) Annual Conference 2024, November 7 –November 9, 2024, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Submit an abstract for the third (3rd) AIHN
Annual Conference on Addressing Occupational
Health Risks in Nigeria: Strengthening the Role ofIndustrial Hygiene on or before September 10,
2024, at email id aihlagos@gmail.com.
The sub-themes for this conference are:
IH Monitoring Data
Industrial Processes
Legislation
Sustainability, andExposure Control

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IOHA in Español
Impacto del Cambio Climático en la Salud Laboral: Un Desafío Emergente.
Dra. Ana María Salazar B. Profesora Titular. Jefa Programa Salud Ocupacional. Institutode Salud Poblacional. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Chile. anasalazar@uchile.cl
No cabe duda, que el cambio climático es
una realidad que impacta no solo en elmedio ambiente, sino también en la salud
y seguridad de los trabajadores (SST).
Fenómenos como el aumento de lastemperaturas, la exposición a la radiación
ultravioleta y los eventos climáticos
extremos representan riesgos adicionales
a los que se enfrentan los trabajadores en
distintos sectores económicos. Es
fundamental implementar estrategias demitigación de riesgos adaptadas a cadalugar de trabajo y comprender a fondo lasamenazas medioambientales para evaluary gestionar adecuadamente los riesgos enmateria de seguridad y salud laboral.
El cambio climático afecta la seguridad yla salud de los trabajadores, asociado alaumento de las temperaturas, laexposición a la radiación ultravioleta, el
contacto con patógenos, la contaminacióndel aire y el clima extremo, ya que pueden
incrementar los riesgos existentes ogenerar otros nuevos, como trastornos
relacionados con el calor, enfermedades
transmitidas por vectores y agua,
accidentes, alergias y cáncer (ANSES,
2018). En nuestro país, en los últimos años
adquiere mayor relevancia en trabajadores
que realizan actividades en la agricultura,minería, silvicultura, construcción, entre
otras. Por lo tanto, las estrategias demitigación de riesgos deben adaptarse ala diversidad de la población activa y a lospeligros de cada sector económico. Es
necesario comprender a fondo lasamenazas del cambio climático para la
SST para evaluar y gestionar
adecuadamente los riesgos (OST wiki,
2023).

Respecto al aumento de las temperaturas,
este es un tema que en los últimos años haadquirido mayor importancia para la SST;el calor extremo puede afectar laconcentración y causar fatiga mental,
deshidratación, agotamiento, alterar elritmo cardíaco, enfermedades respiratorias
y renales, y potencialmente golpe de calor,agotamiento y síncope, si el cuerpo no
puede mantener su temperatura habitual(Parsons, 2014; Varghese et al., 2018; EEE,
2022; EU-OSHA, 2023b; OSH wiki, 2023).
Por otra parte, una mayor exposición al
calor fuera de las horas de trabajo puede
impedir que los trabajadores se recuperen
adecuadamente del estrés térmico entre
turnos de trabajo, especialmente si nocuentan con sistemas que le permitan
controlar dicha exposición (Hansen et al.,2013). En ciertas regiones de nuestro país,es posible que sea necesario modificar lospatrones de trabajo para evitar las horas
más cálidas y soleadas y el trabajo
nocturno podría aumentar a modo decompensación.
Por otro lado, las personas que trabajan
con carga solar también corren el riesgo
de una mayor exposición a la radiación
Ultra Violeta bajo un clima cambiante, lo
que aumenta el riesgo de quemaduras
solares y, en última instancia, cáncer depiel. En Europa, se ha visto que, éstos
corren más riesgo de cáncer de piel que
los trabajadores que ejecutan sus labores
al interior de una empresa, con un tipo depiel similar (Trakatelli et al., 2016). La
exposición directa a la radiación solar
también puede afectar el rendimiento
moto-cognitivo (Piil et al., 2020) y
aumentar el riesgo de lesiones.

16

Global Exposure Manager
April - June 2024

Se prevé que los fenómenos meteorológicos
extremos, como inundaciones e incendios
forestales, aumenten en número, severidad e
intensidad a nivel mundial y puedan causar
lesiones y muertes. Las condiciones
climáticas severas pueden aumentar elriesgo de asfixia, quemaduras, congelación yen el caso de los trabajadores deemergencia de primera línea (bomberos,
socorristas, rescatistas, etc.), los riesgos degases tóxicos, explosiones, calor extremo ylucha contra incendios. No cabe duda
entonces, que los impactos físicos, lospeligros climáticos también afectan la salud
mental de los trabajadores (Schulte et al.,2016; Dasgupta et al., 2021; OMS, 2022).
Referencias.
ANSES, 2018, ANSES Opinion —Evaluación de los riesgos para la saludde los trabajadores que plantea elcambio climático, ANSES (Agencia
Francesa para la Alimentación, el Medio
Ambiente y la Seguridad en el Trabajo),
Maisons-Alfort. Disponible enhttps://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/AP2
013SA0216EN.pdf
OSH wiki, 2023, Cambio climático:
Impacto en la Seguridad y Salud
Ocupacional (SST). Agencia Europea
para la Seguridad y la Salud en el
Trabajo, disponible enhttps://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/climate-change- impact-occupationalsafety-and-health-osh. Consultado elúltimo mes de marzo de 2023.Parsons,
2014.
Varghese, B.M.,et al., 2018, ¿Están lostrabajadores en riesgo de lesiones
ocupacionales debido a la exposición al
calor? Una revisión completa de laliteratura, Safety Science 110, 380-392.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2018.04.02
7
EEE, 2022, El cambio climáticocomo
amenaza para la salud y el bienestar en
Europa: centrarseen el calor y lasenfermedades infecciosas. Agencia
Europea de Medio Ambiente,
Copenhague. Disponible enhttps://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/c
limate-change-impacts-on-health17

EU-OSHA, 2023b, Heat at work —Orientación para los lugares de trabajo.
Orientación de la UE, Agencia Europea
para la Seguridad y la Salud en el
Trabajo. Disponible enhttps://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/heat- work-guidance-workplaces
Hansen, A., et al., 2013, Vulnerabilidad
al calor extremo y al cambio climático:¿Es la etnicidad un factor? Acción enmateria de salud mundial 6, apartado 1,
21364.
https://doi.org/10.3402/gha.v6i0.21364
Trakatelli, M., et al., 2016, Riesgo decáncer de piel en trabajadores al aire
libre: un estudio multicéntrico europeode casos y controles, Journal of theEuropean Academy of Dermatology and
Venereology 30(S3), 5-11.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13603
Piil, J.F., et al., 2020, La exposición
directa de la cabeza a la radiación
térmica solar afecta el rendimiento
cognitivo motor. Informes científicos
10(1), 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-02064768-w
Schulte, P.A., et al., 2016, Avanzando el
marco para considerar los efectos delcambio climático en la seguridad y lasalud de los trabajadores, Journal of
Occupational and Environmental
Hygiene 13, 847– 865.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.201
6.1179388
Dasgupta, S., et al., 2021, Efectos delcambio climático en la productividad yla oferta laborales combinadas: unestudio empírico, multimodelo, The
Lancet Planetary Health 5(7), e455e465. https://doi.org/10.1016/S25425196(21)00170-4
OMS, 2022, Salud mental y cambio
climático: Resumen de la política.
Organización Mundial de la Salud.
Disponible enhttps://www.who.int/publications-detailredirect/9789240045125