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Unsafe Temperatures, Unsafe Jobs: The Impact of Weather Conditions on Work-Related Injuries

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  • Filomena, Mattia

    (Masaryk University)

  • Picchio, Matteo

    (Marche Polytechnic University)

Abstract

We estimate the impact of temperatures on work-related accident rates in Italy by using daily data on weather conditions matched to administrative daily data on work-related accidents. The identification strategy of the causal effect relies on the plausible exogeneity of short-term daily temperature variations in a given spatial unit. We find that both high and cold temperatures impair occupational health by increasing workplace injury rates. The positive effect of warmer weather conditions on work-related accident rates is larger for men, in manufacturing and service sectors, and for workplace injuries. Colder temperatures lead to a substantial increase in commuting accidents, especially during rainy days.

Suggested Citation

  • Filomena, Mattia & Picchio, Matteo, 2023. "Unsafe Temperatures, Unsafe Jobs: The Impact of Weather Conditions on Work-Related Injuries," IZA Discussion Papers 16169, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16169
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    climate change; temperatures; weather conditions; work-related accidents; job safety;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • Q52 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Pollution Control Adoption and Costs; Distributional Effects; Employment Effects
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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