Impacto del estrés térmico a causa del cambio climático en la seguridad ocupacional de trabajadores agrícolas

Abstract

Abstract: The increase in global temperatures represents a risk for agricultural workers. In the last decade, the average global temperature has increased by approximately 0.2 °C and is projected to continue rising due to insufficient measures to limit carbon emissions. This research sought to analyze and describe heat stress in agricultural workers through a literature review, considering occupational risks, health effects, and prevention strategies. From the available literature, 14 primary studies published in the last ten years, in Spanish and English, were included. These studies evaluated heat stress primarily using the wet-bulb and globe temperature indices. The findings of this review demonstrate that WBGT values ​​routinely exceed the limits recommended by international standards such as ISO 7243, ACGIH, and NIOSH, reaching values ​​of up to 36 °C. Furthermore, the most frequently reported conditions in the studies were dehydration, kidney injury, and heat exhaustion, among others. Regarding mitigation strategies, the studies propose various preventive measures to mitigate heat stress for farmers. In conclusion, heat stress is a real and significant risk for agricultural workers; however, assessing exposure without taking preventive measures restricts the actual protection of workers. Therefore, future research on heat stress in Ecuador should be accompanied by the application and evaluation of preventive measures in order to protect the health and safety of agricultural workers.