Meeting and seminar of Arctic Network on Occupational Safety and Health in Umeå
The Arctic network on Occupational Safety and Health had a productive meeting on the project related to climate, occupational health and safety, with researchers from UiT- The Arctic University of Norway, Umeå University and Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The network also organized a seminar “Arctic research and development work for improving adaptive capacity of workplaces to the changing climate” where was presented the activities of the network to participants from Umeå University and Umeå University Hospital.
Publication: Cold exposure among outdoor workers in the Arctic setting
The main aim of this study was to describe the degree of cold exposure and occupational physical activity within three different outdoor occupational groups in northern Sweden using both technical measurements and self-reported survey items. Read more about the article here.
A session called "Occupational Safety and Health in the Arctic: Building climate resilience for workers and communities" was suggested to UArctic Congress 2026 and it was accepted.
The Thematic Network, together with the UArctic Chair Tiina Ikäheimo suggested the session.
Members from Umeå, Tromso and Oulu prepared a joint reseach application for the Interreg Aurora call March 2025
Three TN members received funding from HOD to continue the project "Occupational health and safety of Arctic outdoor workplaces in the changing climate" until 2026. The financing will be used for networking between UiT, UMU and FIOH and stakeholders
Climate change in the Arctic is causing higher variability and more weather extremes, potentially reducing occupational safety and health (OSH) of outdoor workers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be particularly vulnerable due to limited resources for OSH development. However, little is known about the preparedness, awareness, and needs of Arctic outdoor workplaces.
The HOD funding is planned to support: 1) meetings between OSH experts to develop a broader project plan 2) arranging national stakeholder workshops to identify needs and discuss feasible solutions for workplaces to manage climate hazards 3) developing applications for broader project funding (funding has been sought from the Interreg Aurora program).
Two Thematic Network members participated in TN leaders meeting in Akureyri, Iceland, and Arctic Circle Assemble in Reykjavik which took place October 2025.
