High Temperature and Its Association With Work-Related Injuries by Employment Status in South Korea, 2017-2018

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between maximum daily temperature and work-related injuries according to employment status in South Korea.

Methods: Data on workers' compensation claims and daily maximum temperature between May 20 and September 10, 2017-2018, were collected and analyzed. The absolute temperature risk effect (ATR) was evaluated by comparing the risk effect at 2 temperatures (30°C vs 33°C) across all communities using 2-stage time-series analysis.

Results: The association between high temperatures and work-related injuries was statistically significant in the construction sector (ATR, 1.129; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010-1.261). In addition, the findings of this study also demonstrated a higher risk effect among nonpermanent workers (ATR, 1.109; 95% CI, 1.013-1.214) at 33°C versus 30°C when compared with permanent workers (ATR, 0.963; 95% CI, 0.891-1.041).

Conclusions: This study found a significant association between high temperatures and work-related injuries among nonpermanent workers in South Korea.