International Migrant Workers, Heat Exposure, and Climate Change: A Systematic Review of Health Risks and Protective Interventions
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Background
International migrant workers, representing 170 million people globally, often face hazardous working conditions, including extreme heat exposure. This increases their risk of occupational heat strain, exacerbated by poor working conditions. This systematic review aims to identify the health risks of occupational heat exposure among international migrant workers globally, and document existing protective interventions and measures, in order to inform policies that protect this vulnerable population.
Methods
We searched four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Ovid Global Health and PsychINFO) for primary research studies (January 2014–April 2024) on international migrant workers experiencing adverse health outcomes following high working temperatures. Records were screened, and data extracted by two independent reviewers. Assessment of study quality was done using Joanna-Briggs Institute checklists. Results were synthesised narratively and reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024519547).
Results
Of the 646 records screened, 19 studies involving 2,322 migrant workers across six countries were included in the analysis, with most studies from high-income countries (n=14, 74%), mainly the USA. Studies focused on workers in construction (48%) and agriculture (42%), with migrant workers originating from 14 countries, predominantly India, Mexico, and Nepal. Reported health outcomes included heat-related illnesses (n=12), dehydration (n=5), kidney disease (n=2), and poor skin health (n=2). Common symptoms included headaches, muscle cramps, and heavy sweating. Interventions focused on water, rest, shade, skin protection, and education, but evaluations were limited and some measures failed to address heat exposure effectively.
Conclusions
Occupational heat exposure poses significant health risks for international migrant workers. Where interventions exist, barriers to effectiveness remain, with a knowledge gap as to the situation in low- and middle-income countries. Amid rising global temperatures improved worker education, worker-tailored and co-designed interventions, updated protocols, and increased healthcare accessibility are urgently needed.
