The National Roofing Contractors Association notes that:
A recent study conducted by the Workers Compensation Research
Institute shows California’s heat regulations have led to fewer
work-related injuries on hot days, according to Safety+Health magazine.
The number of work-related injuries on hot days declined 24% to 27% in
agriculture, 19% to 25% in transportation and 15% to 17% in
construction. The declines were the strongest for temperatures above 95
F.
Previous research from the Workers Compensation Research Institute found
besides causing heat-related illnesses, excessive heat also impairs
judgment and perception, which increases safety risks. For the new
study, researchers analyzed 2002-22 data to determine the effects of
California’s heat rules, which took effect in 2005.
The frequency of work-related injuries on hot days for workers age 35 and below fell 18% in construction and 27% in agriculture.
You can find information about the WCRI study, “Impact of California’s Heat Standard on Workers’ Compensation Outcomes,” elsewhere on our website.
