Study finds higher rates of traumatic injuries for outdoor workers during hotter weather

 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/966445

  News Release 29-Sep-2022
OSU study finds higher rates of traumatic injuries for outdoor workers during hotter weather
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Oregon State University

 

Rates of traumatic injury among workers in the Oregon agricultural and construction sectors are significantly higher during periods of high heat compared with periods of more moderate weather, a recent Oregon State University study found.

The results underscore the importance of providing robust safety protections for outdoor workers, especially as extreme heat events become more common with climate change, researchers said.

“The big take-home message I want people to get from this is that, if the temperature is high and you have workers out there, they’re more likely to be injured, whether it’s due to dehydration, reduction in mental capacity or exhaustion,” said Richie Evoy, lead author on the paper and a recent doctoral graduate from OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

-----