Managing Workers’ Comp Claims in High Heat

A recent study from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reveals that the likelihood of work-related accidents increases by 5-6% when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, compared to 65-70 degrees. Analyzing data from 2016-2021, the study highlights two types of heat-related injuries: direct (e.g., heat exhaustion) and indirect (e.g., accidents caused by impaired cognitive abilities due to heat).

The study shows that excessive heat has a stronger impact in the South and on construction workers, with traumatic injuries such as fractures and dislocations being more common. Despite the rise in heat-related injuries, Texas has seen a slight decline in the number of physicians treating workers’ comp cases. The Texas Department of Insurance’s 2024 Access to Care report indicates that while the number of participating physicians decreased, this does not necessarily imply reduced access to care, as the number of workers’ comp claims also declined.

Nicole Corey, a workers’ compensation specialist, notes similar trends in California, emphasizing the need for more ongoing care providers and specialists. She attributes the decline in physician participation more to natural attrition than to systemic issues.