Occupational heat stress in The Netherlands: annual exposure estimates from 2020 to 2023: abstract

Objective Climate change is making occupational heat stress an increasing concern, even in mild-climate countries like The Netherlands. This study estimated the annual hours of occupational heat stress among Dutch workers from 2020 to 2023. Material and Methods We used data from the National Employment Survey (NEA), completed annually by a random sample of Dutch workers. Respondents reported their occupation, coded using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO). Each respondent was assigned a weighting factor reflecting how many people in the population they represent, allowing estimation of the total number of workers per occupation in The Netherlands. Exposure was estimated using a heat job exposure matrix (Heat-JEM) based on the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) framework defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Heat-JEM integrates metrological data with job-specific information on time spent indoors versus outdoors, physical activity, work clothing, and the presence of local heat or cooling sources. Results (preliminary) Between 2020 and 2023, Dutch workers (~3.9 million women, ~4,1 million men) experienced 0 to 1,260 hours of occupational heat stress annually, with an average of 24 hours (11 for women, 36 hours for men). Over 10% of the Dutch workforce was exposed to ≥24 hours per year. Among the most common occupations, cooks were the largest exposed group, with women averaging 1,242 heat stress hours annually (n = 22,487) and men 1,243 hours (n = 50,780). For women, the next largest exposed groups were bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers (725 hours, n = 7,830) and police officers (136 hours, n = 9,843). Among men, bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers (727 hours, n = 10,682), and chemical-heat-treating-plant operators (741 hours, n = 9,104) were most affected. Heat stress in these occupations was mostly caused by local heat sources like ovens. Conclusion A substantial number of Dutch workers are affected by occupational heat stress.
Abstract from: 30th Epidemiology in Occupational Health Conference (EPICOH 2025), Hosted by Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 6–9 OCTOBER 2025, Utrecht, the Netherlands