Impacts of Heat Exposure on Workers’ Health and Productivity

As global temperatures rise, workers are increasingly exposed to high temperatures at work. This thesis investigates the causal impacts of heat on workers' health and productivity using large survey and administrative data from Australia. I find that extreme high temperatures increase workplace accidents and reduce hours worked. The temperature effects are more pronounced among, but not limited to, workers in outdoor-based and physically demanding jobs. Additionally, I find that heat thresholds for work cessation introduced in the Australian construction industry reduce workplace accidents. Similar policies would likely benefit high-risk workers in other jurisdictions and industries.