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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Occupational heat illness in Washington State, 1995-2005
David Bonauto1, Robert Anderson, Edmund Rauser
1Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, Washington 98504-4330, USA. bone235@Ini.wa.gov
Background:
Little information exists describing the incidence of heat-related illness (HRI) among non-military working populations. An analysis of HRI cases utilizing workers' compensation data has not been previously reported.
Methods:
We used both ICD-9 and ANSI Z16.2 codes with subsequent medical record review to identify accepted Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims for HRI over the 11-year time period from 1995-2005.
Results:
There were 480 Washington workers' compensation claims for HRI during the 11-year study period. NAICS industries with the highest workers' compensation HRI average annual claims incidence rate were Fire Protection 80.8/100,000 FTE, Roofing Construction 59.0/100,000 FTE, and Highway, Bridge and Street Construction 44.8/100,000 FTE. HRI claims were associated with high outdoor ambient temperatures. Medical risk factors for HRI were present in some cases.
Conclusions:
HRI cases occur in employed populations. HRI rates vary by industry and are comparable to those previously published for the mining industry.
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