Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Severity Analysis for Occupational Heat-related Injury Using the Multinomial Logit Model

  • Peiyi Lyu (Safety Automation and Visualization Environment (SAVE) Laboratory, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama) ;
  • Siyuan Song (Safety Automation and Visualization Environment (SAVE) Laboratory, Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama)
  • Received : 2023.11.20
  • Accepted : 2024.03.31
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

Background: Workers are often exposed to hazardous heat due to their work environment, leading to various injuries. As a result of climate change, heat-related injuries (HRIs) are becoming more problematic. This study aims to identify critical contributing factors to the severity of occupational HRIs. Methods: This study analyzed historical injury reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contributing factors to the severity of HRIs were identified using text mining and model-free machine learning methods. The Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) was applied to explore the relationship between impact factors and the severity of HRIs. Results: The results indicated a higher risk of fatal HRIs among middle-aged, older, and male workers, particularly in the construction, service, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. In addition, a higher heat index, collapses, heart attacks, and fall accidents increased the severity of HRIs, while symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness, cramps, faintness, and vomiting reduced the likelihood of fatal HRIs. Conclusions: The severity of HRIs was significantly influenced by factors like workers' age, gender, industry type, heat index , symptoms, and secondary injuries. The findings underscore the need for tailored preventive strategies and training across different worker groups to mitigate HRIs risks.

Keywords

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