Climate Change: A Major Concern for Workers’ Compensation

Climate significantly impacts workplace safety and health. As global warming increases, and changing weather patterns become more pronounced, workers’ compensation insurance systems will be stressed to limits never before imagined.

Since the inception of US workers’ compensation legislation almost a century ago, climate extremes have been causally related to compensable events in both a traumatic and occupational exposure setting. Whether it be periods of extreme temperatures or significant storm, i.e.. Hurricane Sandy, weather patterns are reaching new record breaking levels and causing increased levels of occupation injuries and illnesses already.

What To Do Before A Major Snow Storm Strikes

As weather forecasters begin to label the impending Northeast Snowstorm as "The Snowstorm of the Century" employers and employees at taking preparations to avoid adverse exposures and serious injurieis during a time of cold and stress.The US Centers for Disease Control has announced a preparatory list of things to be done in advance of the storm.

Stock up on emergency supplies for communication, food, safety, heating, and car in case a storm hits.

Communication Checklist

• Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:
  • Battery-powered radio (for listening to local emergency instructions). Have extra batteries.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver (for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts).
    • Learn more about NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
• Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather:
  • Siren
  • Radio
  • Television
• Listen to emergency broadcasts.
• Know what winter storm warning terms mean:
  
  • Winter Weather Advisory: Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.
  • Frost/Freeze Warning: Expect below-freezing temperatures.
  • Winter Storm Watch: Be alert; a storm is likely.
  • Winter Storm Warning: Take action; the storm is in or entering the area.
  • Blizzard Warning: Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.
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 Download Communication Checklist  [PDF - 54 KB]