Protect Workers from Heat Stroke
As temperatures rise, many of us retreat indoors to air-conditioned comfort. For the men and women who spend their workdays outside in the summer sun, that is not an option. In 2014, more than 2,600 workers across the country suffered heat-related illnesses. Employers need to be vigilant about protecting employees from the risks of heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses cause serious injuries and can even be fatal if left untreated.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke
Without water and rest, workers are at risk for certain heat illnesses. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling off. In severe heat, sweating may not be enough to decrease the body’s temperature. The first signs of heat illness are dizziness, headache, sweaty skin, cramps, nausea, and rapid heart rate.
Without treatment, heat stroke can develop quickly. Some symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, flushed skin, confusion, convulsions, and fainting. When the skin is dry and the body has stopped sweating, the person is likely suffering heat stroke. During a heat stroke, the body’s temperature can rise to a dangerous 106 degrees in just 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to note that every person reacts to heat illness differently and may present varying symptoms.
Preventing heat stroke
Workers who perform their jobs outdoors are not the only people at risk for heat illness. Employees working in confined spaces in warmer environments, those who wear heavy clothing or gear, or workers who must work near machinery that reaches high temperatures are also at risk. Workers exposed to extreme temperatures as part of their jobs should drink water every 15 minutes and schedule regular rest breaks in a shaded area throughout the day. Moreover, employees who work outside or in high heat environments should wear a hat if possible along with light-weight, breathable clothing. Employers should provide sufficient training to help workers prevent and detect heat-related illness.
Workers’ Compensation and heat stroke
Workers who suffer injuries or illness due to exposure to extreme work conditions, including high temperatures, may be eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. To successfully prove a Workers’ Compensation claim, the employee needs to establish that the injuries in question were caused or aggravated by the employee’s work duties or conditions. In many states, the law requires employers to provide an employee with protections against heat stroke, including worker training programs, water, and time provided for shaded breaks.
Highland Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Protect Injured Workers
Workers that perform their jobs in the summer sun are vulnerable to heat stroke and other serious and fatal illnesses. Employers are expected to protect employees from dangerous work conditions. When they fail to do so and workers are injured on the job, our Highland Park Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help.
At the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, we help injured workers successfully file Workers’ Compensation claims so they can receive the benefits they need and deserve. Call our Highland Park, New Jersey offices at 732-537-8570 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case.
