The 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn attention for matches played during dangerous summer heat, but workers’ compensation specialists say employers may face a larger exposure from the massive temporary workforce needed to support the tournament. With matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, employers will rely on thousands of seasonal workers for concessions, security, transportation, hospitality, and venue operations, creating familiar challenges around hiring, training, and workplace safety.
Safety National’s Mark Walls said most employers already understand basic heat illness prevention through hydration, shaded rest areas, shift rotations, and employee monitoring. While heat-related illnesses remain a concern, he believes the scale of hiring and the high percentage of inexperienced workers present a more significant claims risk. Industry data consistently shows newer employees experience higher injury rates, particularly when training is limited and operations move quickly.
Research also suggests heat can indirectly contribute to workplace injuries. A Workers Compensation Research Institute study found workplace accident rates increase when daily temperatures exceed 90°F, particularly in southern states and construction occupations. However, Walls cautioned that seasonal work patterns may also influence those findings. National Safety Council and Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that slips, trips, and falls continue to generate substantially more workplace injury claims than direct heat illnesses.
The story also highlights the uncertain regulatory landscape surrounding OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard, which remains unfinished after public hearings concluded in 2025. Claims professionals should continue monitoring state and federal heat safety requirements while helping employers strengthen onboarding, hazard recognition, and safety training for temporary workers. For adjusters, the combination of elevated temperatures, large crowds, and inexperienced employees could influence claim frequency even if overall claim severity remains moderate due to the nature of many event-related jobs.
