Occupational heat illness in Washington State, 1995-2005

Abstract

Background: Little information exists describing the incidence of heat-related illness (HRI) among non-military working populations. An analysis of HRI cases utilizing workers' compensation data has not been previously reported.

Methods: We used both ICD-9 and ANSI Z16.2 codes with subsequent medical record review to identify accepted Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims for HRI over the 11-year time period from 1995-2005.

Results: There were 480 Washington workers' compensation claims for HRI during the 11-year study period. NAICS industries with the highest workers' compensation HRI average annual claims incidence rate were Fire Protection 80.8/100,000 FTE, Roofing Construction 59.0/100,000 FTE, and Highway, Bridge and Street Construction 44.8/100,000 FTE. HRI claims were associated with high outdoor ambient temperatures. Medical risk factors for HRI were present in some cases.

Conclusions: HRI cases occur in employed populations. HRI rates vary by industry and are comparable to those previously published for the mining industry.