title: Characterizing occupational heat-related mortality in the United States, 2000-2010: an analysis using the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries database.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Occupational heat-related mortality is not well studied and risk factors remain largely unknown. This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics of heat-related deaths among workers in the US 2000-2010.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fatality data were obtained at the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the confidential on-site Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries database. Fatality rates and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by year, sex, age group, ethnicity, race, state, and industry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 2000 and 2010, 359 occupational heat-related deaths were identified in the U.S., for a yearly average fatality rate of 0.22 per 1 million workers. Highest rates were found among Hispanics, men, the agriculture and construction industries, the state of Mississippi, and very small establishments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides the first comprehensive national profile of heat-related deaths in the U.S. workplace. Prevention efforts should be directed at small businesses and at industries and individuals with the highest risk.
authors.affiliation: The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: Diane M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Gubernot
authors.forename: G Brooke
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Katherine L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hunting
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D019352:Censuses; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: climate change; health and safety; heat exposure; occupational health; workplace