Citation

Harduar Morano L, Bunn TL, Lackovic M, Lavender A, Dang GT, Chalmers JJ, Li Y, Zhang L, Flammia DD. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2015; 58(10): 1114-1125.

Affiliation

Virginia Department of Health, Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Richmond, Virginia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22504

PMID

26305997

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Heat-related illness (HRI) is an occupational health risk for many outdoor, and some indoor, workers.

METHODS: Emergency department (ED) and inpatient hospitalization (IH) data for 2007-2011 from nine southeast states were analyzed to identify occupational HRI numbers and rates, demographic characteristics, and co-morbid conditions.

RESULTS: There were 8,315 occupational HRI ED visits (6.5/100,000 workers) and 1,051 IHs (0.61/100,000) in the southeast over the study period. Out-of-state residents comprised 8% of ED visits and 12% of IHs. Rates for both, ED visits and IHs were significantly elevated in males and blacks. Younger workers had elevated rates for ED visits, while older workers had higher IH rates.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate occupational HRI ED visits and IHs in the southeast region and indicates the need for enhanced heat-stress prevention policies in the southeast.

FINDINGS from this study can be used to direct state health department tracking and evaluation of occupational HRI. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en