A recent survey conducted by the DGUV (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung – German statutory accident insurance) highlights the link between extreme temperatures and the frequency of workplace accidents.

By cross-referencing data on workplace accidents recorded between 2017 and 2023 with local weather information from the DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst – German Meteorological Service), researchers found that the number of accidents increases significantly during periods of intense cold (≤ 0°C) or extreme heat (≥ 30°C).

Intense cold: a significant increase in commuting accidents

The study reveals that when temperatures are below or equal to 0 degree, the total number of workplace accidents increases by around 16%, mainly due to commuting accidents. During these weather events, the number of commuting accidents increases by approximately:

• 20% for road traffic accidents;
• 92% for non-road accidents (slips, falls, trips, etc.).

It should be noted that in Germany, the number of days of frost (where the temperature does not exceed 0°C) is decreasing significantly with climate change. This reduction could therefore lead to a decrease in the number of accidents related to this phenomenon.

Extreme heat: a growing risk to workplace safety

Conversely, episodes of extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense. When temperatures are above or equal to 30 degrees, the DGUV records approximately 8% more workplace accidents. While commuting accidents are up by around 12%, high temperatures mainly affect the number of road traffic accidents (up by around 17%), but have no significant effect on non-road journeys.

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These results confirm observations already established internationally. Several studies, including the study “Extreme heat and occupational injuries in different climate zones: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence” also conclude that there is a clear correlation between extreme heat and workplace accidents.

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