Workplace heat-related illnesses increase by at least sevenfold on days when temperatures exceed 90°F compared with days with temperatures between 75°F and 80°F, according to research published Wednesday by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
The Waltham, Massachusetts-based WCRI used 2013 to 2022 workers compensation claim data from insurers, state funds and self-insured employers across 31 U.S. states, accounting for 80% of U.S. workers compensation benefits. The database provided comprehensive claims data, including injury dates and locations, while temperature data were used to assess temperature-related patterns and factors in the study.
While illnesses surge in high temperatures, researchers found that heat-related illnesses only make up .21% of overall workers comp claims. Of them, almost all claims had a medical cost component, with only 7% being indemnity-only. Workers younger than 35 and those with less tenure faced higher risk of heat-related illness; and males were three times more likely to suffer an illness than females, according to the report.
WCRI said the results indicate that heat contributes to an increase in other injuries such as falls and cuts.
This article was first published in Business Insurance.
