The impact of heatwaves on workers' health and safety in Adelaide, South Australia
Journal Article
·
· Environmental Research
This study aims to investigate the impact of heatwaves on worker's health and safety; to identify workers at higher risk of prevalent illnesses and injuries due to heatwaves; and to provide evidence for policy-makers and service providers. South Australian workers' compensation claims data for 2001–2010 were transformed into time series format, merged with meteorological data and analysed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. For total injury claims there was no significant difference detected between heatwave and non-heatwave periods. However, for outdoor industries, daily claims increased significantly by 6.2% during heatwaves. Over-represented in hot weather were male labourers and tradespersons aged ≥55 years, and those employed in ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ and ‘electricity, gas and water’. Occupational burns, wounds, lacerations, and amputations as well as heat illnesses were significantly associated with heatwaves. Similarly, moving objects, contact with chemicals, and injuries related to environmental factors increased significantly during heatwaves, especially among middle-aged and older male workers. With the predicted increase of extremely hot weather, there is a need for relevant adaptation and prevention measures at both practice and policy levels for vulnerable work groups. - Highlights: • We investigate the impacts of heatwaves on workers' health and safety. • We identify workers at higher risk of illnesses and injuries during heatwaves. • The differences between two heatwave definitions on effect estimates are compared. • Daily injury claims for outdoor industries increased by 6.2% during heatwaves. • Relevant heat prevention measures are required for vulnerable workers.
- OSTI ID:
- 22447533
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Research, Journal Name: Environmental Research Vol. 133; ISSN ENVRAL; ISSN 0013-9351
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Summer outdoor temperature and occupational heat-related illnesses in Quebec (Canada)
Vulnerability to heatwaves and implications for public health interventions – A scoping review
U.S. Department of Energy, Illness and Injury Surveillance Program, Worker Health Summary, 1995-2004
Journal Article
·
Wed Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014
· Environmental Research
·
OSTI ID:22447546
Vulnerability to heatwaves and implications for public health interventions – A scoping review
Journal Article
·
Mon Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2018
· Environmental Research
·
OSTI ID:23105876
U.S. Department of Energy, Illness and Injury Surveillance Program, Worker Health Summary, 1995-2004
Technical Report
·
Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2007
·
OSTI ID:920590