Hot, Dusty, and Smoky: Navigating Extremes, Climate Change Impacts on OEH

Climate change is pressing public health crisis that is already impacting the world of work. Join the Northern California Centers for Occupational and Environmental Health for a deep dive into the chemical, biological, and physical hazards of navigating climate extremes. Learn about the rising prevalence of Valley Fever, a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust or soil particles, particularly in drought-affected regions. Discuss the impacts of rising temperatures on worker safety, heat-related illness, and challenges faced by indoor and outdoor workers including in warehouses and construction. Explore emerging research on the health impacts of wildfire smoke and debris exposure, and the role of protective measures, especially for vulnerable populations.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, the learner will be able to:

• Identify specific climate-related health effects that impact indoor and outdoor workers

• Describe how climate change creates new or unanticipated health problems in people or places where they may not have not been before

• Screen for risk factors that would make workers at a higher risk and more vulnerable to climate-related health impacts

• Discuss how climate change can exacerbate the seriousness or increase the frequency of health problems workers already face.

Audience:

This symposium is intended for occupational and environmental health and safety professionals and clinicians including MD / DO, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, registered environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, certified safety professionals, ergonomists, researchers, and other allied health professionals. 

Course Format & Cancellation Policies:

This course is a recorded, on-demand course offering, made available online through Canvas Instructure. Once purchased, you will have access to the course for 365 days. This course will expire on February 28, 2027, regardless of purchase date. All sales of on-demand online classes are final. No refunds will be made for cancellations. 

Accreditation:

This course is offered on a pass / fail basis for continuing education credit. Learners must complete all of the course videos, and receive a 70% or higher on the post-course quiz, to pass the course and obtain a Certificate of Completion. 

The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health designates this activity for a maximum of 5.0 Contact Hours. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nurses:

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 12983, for 5.0 contact hours.

Physicians:

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the California Medical Association (CMA) through the joint providership of The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health UC Berkeley, and The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health UC Davis. The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health UC Berkeley is accredited by the CMA to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Board for Global EHS Credentialing

Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) may be eligible to earn up to 5.0 contact hours for this event. Visit https://gobgc.org/applicants_CIH/ for more information.

Safety Professionals:

Certified Safety Professionals may be eligible to earn up to 5.0 contact hours for this event. Visit https://online.fliphtml5.com/pbcyp/eprz/#p=19 for more information. 

Registered Environmental Health Specialists:

This course has been approved for 5.0 contact hours, REHS. The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) UC Berkeley is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Program Continuing Education Accreditation Agency approved by the California Department of Public Health. 

Accessibility:

If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) to fully participate in this event, please contact Michelle Meyer at (510) 642-8365 or mmeyer@berkeley.edu. 

Disclosure:

No individuals involved in the planning or presentation of this activity have any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose. There were no relevant financial relationships to be mitigated.

Released: March 2024

Expires: February 2027