Insights into the epidemiology of heat-related work injuries

Abstract

TPS 791: Occupational health 1, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: Hot working conditions can lead to serious illness and increased risk of work-related injuries. The aim of this study was to better understand the heat-injury phenomenon in workplaces to inform prevention measures. Methods: A mixed-methods research approach was adopted to explore the nature and determinants of heat-related occupational injuries. The quantitative phase consisted of investigating the impact of heat exposure (maximum temperature and heatwave) on workers’ compensation (WC) claims in four Australian cities with temperate (Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth) and sub-tropical (Brisbane) climates. National surveys of health and safety professionals and representatives were undertaken to gauge their perceptions on determinants of heat-related work injuries. The qualitative component consisted of analyzing data collected from sources including interviews, surveys, and a telephone complaints database. Results: Analysis of WC data showed injuries increased during moderate and extremely hot temperatures in Adelaide and Melbourne, while a reduction in risk was seen at the coolest temperatures in Brisbane and Perth. During moderate/high-severity heatwave days injuries increased compared to non-heatwave days in each city with the highest effect in Brisbane. Contributing factors for heat-related injuries were reported to be: fatigue and dehydration, issues with personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of heat awareness training, poor management practices, concerns over productivity loss and inflexibility of supervisors. Recommendations for prevention include more awareness and training, better planning of work and rest breaks, better designed PPE, rotation of workers or tasks, and if possible, having cease-work temperatures. Conclusions: This study yielded insights into the nature and distribution of occupational injuries that occur in hot conditions. The evidence suggests that the underlying mechanism for physical injury is an interaction of existing physical hazards and increased worker susceptibility in hot conditions. Prevention efforts need to consider these multi-factorial determinants particularly in light of warmer conditions predicted due to climate change.