Characterising the impact of heatwaves on work-related injuries and illnesses in three Australian cities using a standard heatwave definition- Excess Heat Factor (EHF)

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dc.contributor.authorVarghese, B.M.
dc.contributor.authorBarnett, A.G.
dc.contributor.authorHansen, A.L.
dc.contributor.authorBi, P.
dc.contributor.authorNairn, J.
dc.contributor.authorRowett, S.
dc.contributor.authorNitschke, M.
dc.contributor.authorHanson-Easey, S.
dc.contributor.authorHeyworth, J.S.
dc.contributor.authorSim, M.R.
dc.contributor.authorPisaniello, D.L.
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractBACKGROUND AND AIMS:Heatwaves have potential health and safety implications for many workers, and heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. There is currently a lack of comparative evidence for the effects of heatwaves on workers' health and safety in different climates (sub-tropical and temperate). This study examined the relationship between heatwave severity (as defined by the Excess Heat Factor) and workers' compensation claims, to define impacts and identify workers at higher risk. METHODS:Workers' compensation claims data from Australian cities with temperate (Melbourne and Perth) and subtropical (Brisbane) climates for the years 2006-2016 were analysed in relation to heatwave severity categories (low and moderate/high severity) using time-stratified case-crossover models. RESULTS:Consistent impacts of heatwaves were observed in each city with either a protective or null effect during heatwaves of low-intensity while claims increased during moderate/high-severity heatwaves compared with non-heatwave days. The highest effect during moderate/high-severity heatwaves was in Brisbane (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.42-1.48). Vulnerable worker subgroups identified across the three cities included: males, workers aged under 34 years, apprentice/trainee workers, labour hire workers, those employed in medium and heavy strength occupations, and workers from outdoor and indoor industrial sectors. CONCLUSION:These findings show that work-related injuries and illnesses increase during moderate/high-severity heatwaves in both sub-tropical and temperate climates. Heatwave forecasts should signal the need for heightened heat awareness and preventive measures to minimise the risks to workers.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityBlesson M. Varghese, Adrian G. Barnett, Alana L. Hansen, Peng Bi, John Nairn, Shelley Rowett, Monika Nitschke, Scott Hanson-Easey, Jane S. Heyworth, Malcolm R. Sim, Dino L. Pisaniello
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 2019; 29(6):821-830
dc.identifier.doi10.1038/s41370-019-0138-1
dc.identifier.issn1559-0631
dc.identifier.issn1559-064X
dc.identifier.orcidVarghese, B.M. [0000-0003-2974-7282]
dc.identifier.orcidHansen, A.L. [0000-0003-0195-3770]
dc.identifier.orcidBi, P. [0000-0002-3238-3427]
dc.identifier.orcidNairn, J. [0000-0001-6833-5964]
dc.identifier.orcidNitschke, M. [0000-0002-8524-7867]
dc.identifier.orcidHanson-Easey, S. [0000-0002-5767-0545]
dc.identifier.orcidPisaniello, D.L. [0000-0002-4156-0608]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/122709
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer Nature
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP160103059
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1117784
dc.rights© Springer Nature America, Inc. 2019
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-019-0138-1
dc.subjectHeatwave
dc.subjectMorbidity
dc.subjectWorkers health and safety
dc.titleCharacterising the impact of heatwaves on work-related injuries and illnesses in three Australian cities using a standard heatwave definition- Excess Heat Factor (EHF)
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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