Extreme temperatures increase hospital worker injury claims: Report
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The New York State Insurance Fund on Wednesday released a health care-focused report that found a higher correlation between workplace injury frequency and severity and days of extreme temperatures.
The report, based on an analysis of about 95,000 injury claims, states that claims were 45% more likely to occur when the heat index is over 80 degrees, while severity increased by 20%. It also says hospitals should take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced a voluntary climate action pilot program for hospitals focusing on improving worker health and safety.
The program offers premium credits of up to $1 million to NYSIF-insured hospitals that pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and help mitigate climate-related hazards that “contribute to steep increases in workplace injuries and illnesses,” the governor’s office said in a news release.
The program also offers hospitals access to NYSIF’s risk control services, which include consultation, resources and training.
