Tips for Managing Workers’ Compensation Risks Associated with Climate Change

Severe weather events can have widespread impacts—including in the workers’ compensation world. Examples of climate-related occupational hazards include high temperatures, air pollution, extreme weather, natural disasters, and biological hazards. While many of these occupational hazards cannot be avoided, being prepared can help to mitigate your workers’ compensation risks. 
 

• Understand the potential risk for your geographic region so that you can be prepared before disaster strikes. 
• Have a safety plan for the ongoing weather event, including how to make sure employees are safe, where they can either shelter in place or evacuate to a safe location, and how they will access information. 
• After the weather event has passed, have plans in place to protect employees from flooding, fires, power outages, chemical spills, collapsing building(s), and other potential risks. 
• Be prepared to address the endemic changes associated with climate change such as increased temperatures and air pollution. Provide employees with water and frequent breaks in the shade, and try to schedule outside work on days with lower temperatures and/or air quality alerts. 

For more information about navigating workplace injuries, contact Jennifer McDaniel or the Ice Miller Workplace Solutions attorney with whom you most frequently work.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.