How extreme temperatures propel workers' comp claims
Construction claims jump nearly 20% when temperatures rise above 100 degrees.
The conversation about worker safety in extreme heat has taken center stage. Not surprisingly, workers are impacted differently across industry sectors.
Days with extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, exhibit between 2% and 10% more injuries compared to mild days. Research finds that even small increases in temperatures can have a large impact on workers compensation claims.
On average, 2023 was hotter for U.S. workers than in recent history. As temperatures continue to rise nationwide, specific temperature thresholds that may benefit from additional safety measures have been identified.
Data spanning over two decades illustrates the relationship between extreme weather conditions and its impact on workplace injuries over time.
Using a baseline of mild weather at 60 to 65 degrees, we begin to see incremental impacts on workplace injuries when temperatures rise just a few degrees.
By the time the temperature reaches the low 80s, there are 5% more injuries than the baseline comparison point. In fact, the impact doubles to over 10% for temperatures above 100 degrees.
Now consider the impact of heat on injury claims by sector. Outdoor sectors, such as construction, have the highest impact on injuries and are twice as likely to occur in the summer than any other season.
In fact, construction claims jump nearly 20% when temperatures rise above 100 degrees. That’s about double the impact on claims from the transportation sector and four times higher than office jobs experiencing the same weather conditions.
Summer temperatures vary across the country. The hottest cities like Miami or Phoenix, have almost double the amount of impact from heat on construction claims during the summer compared to cities like Chicago and Denver with cooler temperatures.
Speaking of cooler temperatures, extreme weather impacts workers compensation claims on both ends of the spectrum. Cold weather, especially when coupled with precipitation, also leads to a higher frequency of claims.
In general, injuries are less likely to occur in extreme cold weather than extreme hot weather; injuries peak right around freezing temperatures in the 30 to 35-degree range at an increase of 6% above the baseline.
However, precipitation conditions factor heavily into the impact on claims—in the same temperature range injuries are nearly 10% more likely to occur during wet conditions, compared to just over 2% more likely to occur in dry conditions.
In comparison, precipitation matters less in the heat and reduces the impact of injuries across the board.
Beating the heat
Extreme temperatures and their impact on workers compensation claims are an emerging concern for the industry that’s unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Increased heat, in particular, could impact all regions of the country.
While responses to dealing with extreme temperatures will vary, actions for beating the heat could increase safety within sectors that are more greatly impacted.
To mitigate the impacts of heat related illness, OSHA suggests working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat, staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty, watch out for coworkers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take time to rest and cool down
Adapting to changing conditions can positively impact worker safety and wellbeing. The data shows that extreme heat significantly increases the risk of workplace injuries, particularly in outdoor sectors like construction. By implementing proactive measures, investing in protective equipment, and prioritizing worker education, we can reduce risk.
Patrick Coate is a senior economist with the National Council on Compensation Insurance. He previously worked as a research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research and as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan Population Studies Center.
He earned a PhD in economics from Duke University and a BS in mathematics from the University of Dayton.
This submission is published with permission and may not be reproduced.
See also: