The rising cost of extreme-temperature injuries

Researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU), The University of Adelaide and Monash University have analysed more than 2.3 million workplace injury claims across Australia’s capital cities — all except Canberra — to understand the threat of extreme temperatures in the workplace. The data covers a period between 2005 and 2018, and was linked with daily maximum wet bulb globe temperatures — a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight that can be applied both indoors and outdoors.

What they found across the 13-year study period is that 1.66% of all preventable occupational injuries and illnesses (OIIs) could be attributed to heat — accounting for close to 39,000 OIIs. Concerning OIIs associated with cold, the researchers noted that these injuries were more likely to be more severe or longer in duration, resulting in increased costs — despite a reduced frequency. 

The study marks the first time a national cost profile of both heat- and cold-attributable OIIs has been provided, with the researchers estimating that exposure to heat and cold is costing Australia’s workers and employers $94 million a year — a figure projected to rise by more than 25% by 2050. The study’s lead author, postdoctoral researcher Dr Matthew Borg from The University of Adelaide’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, described extreme temperatures as one of the most threatening health impacts of climate change. 

“Under a high-emissions scenario, heat-related OIIs are projected to increase from 1.66% to 2.10% by 2050, posing major risks to worker safety and productivity,” Borg said. “Understanding how temperature affects costs can help workplaces and public health agencies create cost-effective plans to prevent and manage temperature-related OIIs.

“Employers can protect workers by using heat safety measures such as setting work-to-rest ratios based on temperature and job demands, providing plenty of water and access to shade or air-conditioning, monitoring hydration, ensuring proper clothing, creating heat acclimatisation plans for new workers, and reducing heat generated in the workplace,” Borg said.

Professor Kerstin Zander from CDU’s Northern Institute, a co-author on the study, noted that more research was needed to determine the true extent of OIIs and their burden on the Australian economy. “OIIs of mild severity are less likely to be reported, potentially biasing the data to over-represent more severe OIIs and underestimating the true cost burden to Australian workers and employers,” Zander explained.

Professor Kerstin Zander.

“Future research on how temperature affects work-related health should look at both heat and cold,” Zander added. “Since injuries and costs affect people of all ages, genders, industries and jobs, prevention efforts should target the whole workforce.”

Findings from the study were published this year as an article — ‘Anomalous temperatures increase occupational injuries, illnesses and associated cost burden in Australia’ — in Urban Climate.

Top image credit: iStock.com/coffeekai. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.