O8B.4 Exploring occupational injury experiences during hot weather: a national survey of health and safety professionals

Abstract

Introduction Exposure to extreme heat can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to work-related injuries. However, there is limited understanding of how physical injuries arise in hot weather. A study of the perspectives of stakeholders such as occupational health and safety professionals (HSPs) on injury risk factors during hot weather may assist in informing injury prevention efforts. Methods A national online survey of HSPs was undertaken. Collected data included perspectives on injury experiences, current preventive measures, training, policies and guidelines, and barriers for prevention. Results were analyzed descriptively and a log-poisson regression was used to identify risk factors associated with reported injuries during hot weather at workplaces the HSPs visited/managed. Results In total there were 307 respondents, the majority of who acknowledged the potential for increased risk of occupational injuries in hot weather. A variety of injury types and mechanisms were reported, including manual handling injuries, hand injuries, wounds or lacerations and loss of control of power tools. Work factors significantly associated with reported injuries included problems with personal protective equipment; lack of shade; inadequate hydration and rest breaks, and problems with supervision. Less than half (42%) of HSPs stated the availability of adequate heat training for staff and 54% reported the provision for outdoor work to cease if temperatures are extreme as a preventive measure in workplaces they visited/managed. HSPs recommended 'heat stress training' as the most important preventive measure for outdoor and indoor workers. Reported barriers for prevention include: lack of awareness by workers and supervisors of injury risks, and management concerns about productivity loss and/or deadlines. Conclusion These findings point to a range of modifiable work and organisational risk factors for injury during hot weather. More attention to these factors, in conjunction with traditional interventions for heat-induced illness, could enhance injury prevention in the workplace.