High Temperatures More Harmful to Workers in Hot Climates, Study Finds

When outdoor temperatures rise, workers’ comp claims heat up, too, with an increase in the frequency of heat-related illnesses as well as injuries such as open wounds and fractures, according to new research. The study, from the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, found the impact of elevated temperatures in a state known for its hot weather — Texas — but little impact in states with cooler climates. That may be due to the ability in those states to more easily postpone work until the weather cools off, said Upjohn senior economist Marcus Dillender, the study...