How Rising Temperatures Influence Workers’ Compensation Claim Frequency:
The Impact of Excessive Heat on Workplace Injuries research brief (updated May, 2026) examines the relationship between temperature and workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania over an 11-year period. By combining statewide claims data with average temperature information across regions, the analysis evaluates how elevated temperatures correlate with changes in claim frequency across industries, months, and temperature ranges. The findings provide stakeholders with data-driven insight into how environmental conditions may influence workplace safety, particularly in outdoor and labor-intensive sectors.
1.4%
Annual increase in heat-related claims as a percentage of total workers’ compensation claims, despite overall claim frequency declining annually.
What is in the report
- Heat-related claims increase measurably as temperatures rise, particularly when daily highs exceed 85°F.
- Construction-related occupations experienced the highest concentration of heat-related claims among major industry groups analyzed.
- While most heat-related claims are medical-only and relatively low severity, the findings highlight growing operational and workplace safety considerations tied to prolonged heat exposure.