Citation

Bonauto DK, Anderson R, Rauser E, Burke B. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007; 50(12): 940-950.

Affiliation

Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.20517

PMID

17972253

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little information exists describing the incidence of heat-related illness (HRI) among non-military working populations. An analysis of HRI cases utilizing workers' compensation data has not been previously reported. METHODS: We used both ICD-9 and ANSI Z16.2 codes with subsequent medical record review to identify accepted Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims for HRI over the 11-year time period from 1995-2005. RESULTS: There were 480 Washington workers' compensation claims for HRI during the 11-year study period. NAICS industries with the highest workers' compensation HRI average annual claims incidence rate were Fire Protection 80.8/100,000 FTE, Roofing Construction 59.0/100,000 FTE, and Highway, Bridge and Street Construction 44.8/100,000 FTE. HRI claims were associated with high outdoor ambient temperatures. Medical risk factors for HRI were present in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: HRI cases occur in employed populations. HRI rates vary by industry and are comparable to those previously published for the mining industry.

Language: en