Ep 213 - Boiling Point – When Heat Causes Trauma, Not Just Stroke

We all know heat causes heat exhaustion and heat stroke. But what happens to the likelihood of getting run over by a tractor or falling off a ladder when the temperature spikes? In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into a recent study out of South Korea that shows a staggering 200% increase in severe traumatic injuries when the thermometer crosses 86 degrees. We also discuss why the media summary missed the mark by focusing on pesticides instead of the actual physical trauma highlighted in the data.

References:

Cho, S. (2026). Heat and harm: The effect of temperature on severe agricultural trauma in South Korea. Safety and Health at Work, 17, 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2025.12.001

American Society of Safety Professionals. (2026, April). Study finds increase in traumatic injuries for farmers in extreme heat. Professional Safety Journal.