This research brief explores how excessive heat affects workplace injuries, analyzing 11 years of workers' compensation claims data from Pennsylvania. By combining claims data with average temperature information across various regions, the report provides valuable insights into the relationship between rising temperatures and workplace safety. Key findings include:
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- There is a higher incidence of workers’ compensation injuries as temperatures rise, especially above 80 degrees
- Among different industries, Contracting (31%) had the highest percentage of heat-related claims, followed by Goods and Services (23%) and Manufacturing (22%).
- Heat-related workers’ compensation claims increased by 36%, rising from 0.25% to 0.35% as the average number of days exceeding 80 degrees rose from 51 (2012-2017) to 62 (2018-2022).
- The number of heat-related claims dramatically increases when the temperature rises from 75-80 degrees to 80 degrees.
Impact of Excess Heat on Workplace Injuries
