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How To Protect Your Employees From Unhealthy Air Quality
Key takeaways from ‘Fortifying Workers Against Unhealthy Air Quality,’ the second of three summer seminars hosted by the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health.
On July 24, 2024, the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health continued its summer seminar series with “Fortifying Workers Against Unhealthy Air Quality,” a live discussion featuring climate, business and health experts who shared ways to protect workers from the impacts of unhealthy air ahead of spikes in air pollution due to wildfires, drought, dust and other climate-related factors.
The event also featured the introduction of two new tip sheets from the Health Action Alliance that detail the risks of unhealthy air and provide research-backed solutions for improving air quality and protecting public health.
Keynote Conversation Snapshot: Air Quality Standards
Steven Levine, Co-Founder of the Health Action Alliance, hosted a discussion with Dr. David Michaels, Former Assistant Secretary of Labor and OSHA Director and Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University, on how unhealthy air quality affects employee health, OSHA standards for heat and air quality, and additional measures employers can take to protect their workers.
Key Insights
Indoor workers spend an average of 90% of their lives inside. Before COVID-19, indoor air quality was often overlooked, but the pandemic underscored its significance.
Indoor air quality faces various threats, including chemical pollutants, carbon dioxide from people inside, and airborne pathogens like influenza, COVID-19, and the common cold, in addition to compromised overall air quality due to wildfire smoke, factory pollution, and vehicle emissions.
There are no general indoor air quality standards for workplaces from OSHA or the EPA, so employers must take action to protect workers.
Insight Spotlight
Extreme heat, wildfires, and air quality are interrelated, leading to complex environmental and health challenges. Businesses can play an important role in addressing these issues by implementing sustainable practices, improving indoor air quality, and taking proactive measures to protect both employees and the environment.
“Just this past Sunday (July 21) was the hottest day on earth ever reported. As hot as this summer is, it’s probably going to be the coldest summer for the rest of our lives. So we need to step up and prepare.” - Dr. David Michaels, Former Assistant Secretary of Labor and OSHA Director
Take-Away Tactics
Check your HVAC system to ensure adequate air intake and proper distribution, and contact your building owner if necessary.
Ensure the HVAC system filters outdoor air before circulation.
Consider inexpensive portable air cleaners or build your own using air filters and fans.
Use air-conditioned vehicles instead of opening windows for ventilation.
Panel Snapshot: Fortifying Workers Against Unhealthy Air Quality
In this panel discussion, two of our National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health members discussed the health impacts of worsening air quality and offered solutions for how businesses can adapt to the changing climate and protect their workers. Speakers included:
Elizabeth Lien, panel moderator, Senior Director for Federal Climate Policy and Subnational Programs, World Wildlife Fund
Dr. Lisa Patel, Executive Director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health
Dr. Sohini Stone, Chief Medical Officer for Global Employee Health, Google.
Key Insights
Dr. Patel explained we spend an average of 30% of our lives in the workplace, underscoring the importance of indoor air quality.
Dr. Patel noted that according to a recent study, wildfire smoke is 10 times more toxic than other forms of air pollution and could negate progress made in improving air quality.
Dr. Stone highlighted that poor air quality affects mental and physical health due to exposure to extreme environmental events and displacement.
Dr. Stone emphasized the importance of considering employees who are caregivers and supporting flexibility to help them manage health risks and family responsibilities during events like poor air quality and wildfires, including ensuring safe commutes for children and managing schedule disruptions such as canceled school and activities.
Dr. Stone shared the role accommodations teams play in supporting vulnerable employees and stressed the need to understand the growing risks of climate change and adapt with appropriate policies.
Insight Spotlight
“Air quality in the workplace is a long-term consideration and affects day-to-day well-being and productivity. It’s truly a cross-functional effort that has to take place across the organization. In our organization, there are aspects of how we support employees that crosses our facilities and our environmental team, our environmental health and safety team, our benefits and people team, and everyone has to be involved in this conversation. And bringing together that multidisciplinary approach if you’re an organization will really allow you to take the most comprehensive approach.” –Dr. Sohini Stone, Chief Medical Officer for Global Employee Health, Google
Take-Away Tactics
Prioritize green spaces, both indoor and outdoor, as they reduce air pollutants, improve air quality, and positively impact mental health.
Consider adding stand-alone air filters in addition to the main building system. Encourage multiple modes of transportation, such as buses, biking, and walking.
Collaborate with HR to identify roles that can work from home on days with low air quality.
Take a multidisciplinary approach to air quality management, with comprehensive collaboration across various teams, including facilities, environmental health, and HR.
Educate workers on reading the Air Quality Index (AQI) and using available resources, particularly for those with chronic medical conditions who are at higher risk during poor air quality.
Resource Roundup
Explore valuable resources on air quality protection and climate resilience from the Health Action Alliance and members of the National Commission on Workforce Health:
Google’s Sustainability Initiatives: Learn more about Google’s efforts to promote sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions, and innovate for a greener future through various programs and technologies.
Stay informed on the latest initiatives, insights, and recommendations from the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health by signing up for our newsletter. Subscribe here.
Mark Your Calendars
Climate and Workforce Health Summer Seminar Series:
Aug. 21, 1 p.m.-1:45 p.m. ET, Climate & Workforce Health: Addressing the Mental Health Impacts of Our Changing Climate. Register here.
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