Summarizing Recommendations for the Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Illness in Outdoor Workers: A Scoping Review

Outdoor workers face unique challenges in preventing heat-related illnesses (HRI). Although preventable, HRI and death from heat exposure continue. A review of the most recent recommendation for HRI prevention in outdoor workers in the United States was warranted. A scoping review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted to compile policy statements and recommendations on the prevention of HRI and synthesize them into a three-step plan for prevention using the Haddon Matrix.

PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, and websites from organizations and regulating bodies were searched for sources. Key terms such as occupational OR workers OR employers OR policymakers, HRI OR heat stress OR heat, prevention, recommendations OR position statements were used. Inclusion criteria were articles published within the last 5 years written in English and containing recommendations for preventing HRI in outdoor workers. Research not based on U.S. workers was excluded from the review.

Twenty sources comprised the review. Several themes emerged, indicating deficient recommendations for secondary and tertiary prevention.

This review's findings can be used by occupational health nurses (OHNs) in developing comprehensive interventions for preventing HRI and injury, using clear language, and following evidenced-based practices to increase workplace health and safety and promote equity.