title: The impact of heatwaves on workers' health and safety in Adelaide, South Australia.
abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of heatwaves on worker's health and safety; to identify workers at higher risk of prevalent illnesses and injuries due to heatwaves; and to provide evidence for policy-makers and service providers. South Australian workers' compensation claims data for 2001-2010 were transformed into time series format, merged with meteorological data and analysed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. For total injury claims there was no significant difference detected between heatwave and non-heatwave periods. However, for outdoor industries, daily claims increased significantly by 6.2% during heatwaves. Over-represented in hot weather were male labourers and tradespersons aged ≥ 55 years, and those employed in 'agriculture, forestry and fishing' and 'electricity, gas and water'. Occupational burns, wounds, lacerations, and amputations as well as heat illnesses were significantly associated with heatwaves. Similarly, moving objects, contact with chemicals, and injuries related to environmental factors increased significantly during heatwaves, especially among middle-aged and older male workers. With the predicted increase of extremely hot weather, there is a need for relevant adaptation and prevention measures at both practice and policy levels for vulnerable work groups.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Jianjun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xiang
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. Electronic address: peng.bi@adelaide.edu.au.
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bi
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Dino
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pisaniello
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Alana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D055874:Extreme Heat / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000191:economics; D013021:South Australia; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Climate change; Heatwaves; Occupational health; Weather; Wounds and injuries