High temperatures raise injury risk

California researchers say high temperatures increase injuries by 6 to 9 percent on days over 90 degrees.

The study of 11 million workers’ compensation claims from 2001 to 2018 also found that injuries increase up to 15 percent when temps rise to 100 degrees or more.

In California alone, heat-related injuries cost about 1.2 billion in lost wages and productivity, disability claims, and health care expenses.

Excessively hot conditions affect cognition, leading to errors in judgment, and decreases the body’s overall ability to cope with stress, according to a UCLA press release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

• Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity level. During heavy work in a hot environment or strenuous activity of any kind, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Don’t drink alcohol, beverages with high sugar content, or very cold drinks.
• Replace salt and minerals lost through sweating by drinking a sports beverage. Discuss beverages with your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.
• Wear appropriate clothing. At home, wear as little as possible. When going out, choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
• Wear shoes with soles that are sufficiently thick and insulting so burning hot pavement doesn’t harm feet.
• Use sunscreen. Sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself. It causes a loss of body fluids, skin damage, and pain. Apply a product rated SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out.
• Pace yourself. When working or playing sports in a hot environment, begin slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If your heart begins to pound and you begin gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Move to a cool area or at least into the shade to rest, especially if you feel lightheaded or weak.
• Watch each other. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of co-workers and have them do the same for you. Be wary of confusion.
• Stay cool indoors. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a place that does. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help you stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Don’t depend on a fan to cool yourself down. When the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Cool showers help.