A recent study conducted by the Workers Compensation Research Institute shows California’s heat regulations have led to fewer work-related injuries on hot days, according to Safety+Health magazine.
The number of work-related injuries on hot days declined 24% to 27% in agriculture, 19% to 25% in transportation and 15% to 17% in construction. The declines were the strongest for temperatures above 95 F.
Previous research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute found besides causing heat-related illnesses, excessive heat also impairs judgment and perception, which increases safety risks. For the new study, researchers analyzed 2002-22 data to determine the effects of California’s heat rules, which took effect in 2005.
The frequency of work-related injuries on hot days for workers age 35 and below fell 18% in construction and 27% in agriculture.
Be sure to check out heat safety resources on NRCA’s Heat Illness Prevention webpage.
