It’s that time of year again, and boy, have we had some hot days this summer. As with every year when the weather gets hot, it’s a good idea to remember safety tips for working in the heat: particularly for those who work outside doing physical labor. It’s easy to forget that working in very hot conditions can be just as dangerous as working in the snow and ice. In this article, we discuss the relationship between the summer heat and workers comp.
According to OSHA, on average there are 36 work-related deaths caused by the heat every year. They also see about 2,380 heat-related illnesses and injuries, which can be incredibly serious.
If you’ve experienced heat stroke, heat exhaustion or any other condition from spending time working in the heat, you can file for workers’ compensation benefits. As with any workplace injury or illness, make sure you file for workman’s comp as soon as possible.
During the summer it’s best to limit intense physical labor in the heat. If you must work outside, make sure to take frequent breaks to seek shade and cool off. It’s also important that you stay hydrated. Drink water frequently or beverages that replenish salt loss through sweating, such as sports drinks or coconut water. If you or a coworker are showing symptoms of heat stroke, be sure to call 911.
