Unsafe temperatures, unsafe jobs: The impact of weather conditions on work-related injuries

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 and for workplace injuries. Older workers and jobs in the service sector are instead affected less. Colder temperatures lead to a substantial increase in commuting accidents, especially on rainy days.