Working under the 2021 heat dome: A content analysis of occupational impacts mentioned in the Canadian media

This study provides novel insights into the occupational health and safety impacts experienced during a historic extreme heat event in Canada. By conducting a systematized review and content analysis of media coverage about the 2021 Heat Dome, the researchers were able to identify the occupations reported to have been impacted by the extreme heat event and detect the nature of these impacts. 

The findings identified 52 occupational groups that were reported in the media to have been impacted in some capacity by the extreme heat, including both traditionally heat-exposed outdoor workers and workers in unairconditioned indoor environments. Our analysis also highlighted that the extreme heat event impacted workers in different capacities, with some experiencing direct impacts, and others experiencing cascading and/or translational impacts, or a combination thereof. Thus, the findings broaden our understanding of the existing and growing threat that prolonged hot weather events have on workers’ health, safety, and productivity across an array of sectors.