Occupational heat-related illness emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations in the southeast region, 2007-2011

Am J Ind Med. 2015 Oct;58(10):1114-25. doi: 10.1002/ajim.22504. Epub 2015 Aug 25.

Abstract

Background: Heat-related illness (HRI) is an occupational health risk for many outdoor, and some indoor, workers.

Methods: Emergency department (ED) and inpatient hospitalization (IH) data for 2007-2011 from nine southeast states were analyzed to identify occupational HRI numbers and rates, demographic characteristics, and co-morbid conditions.

Results: There were 8,315 occupational HRI ED visits (6.5/100,000 workers) and 1,051 IHs (0.61/100,000) in the southeast over the study period. Out-of-state residents comprised 8% of ED visits and 12% of IHs. Rates for both, ED visits and IHs were significantly elevated in males and blacks. Younger workers had elevated rates for ED visits, while older workers had higher IH rates.

Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate occupational HRI ED visits and IHs in the southeast region and indicates the need for enhanced heat-stress prevention policies in the southeast. Findings from this study can be used to direct state health department tracking and evaluation of occupational HRI.

Keywords: emergency department; heat; hospitalization; occupational; southeast.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Heat Stress Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Heat Stress Disorders / etiology
  • Heat Stress Disorders / therapy
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Southeastern United States / epidemiology