Severe heat frequently leads to work-related injuries and even fatalities, as highlighted in a recent study. That’s why if you work in extreme heat, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. Be aware of the risks associated with heat stress and take appropriate precautions.

Employers also need to recognize the need for preventive measures and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of laborers across various industries. Despite being preventable, heat-related illnesses still affect thousands of workers annually, with some instances resulting in fatal outcomes, as noted by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

Extreme heat puts workers at risk

A recent study shed light on the dangers associated with work-related heat stress injuries across the nation. The study emphasized that laborers, often involved in strenuous physical tasks for extended hours, face heightened vulnerability to exertional injuries and illnesses.

Surprisingly, no previous studies have comprehensively investigated the primary causes behind catastrophic exertional injuries and fatalities within this demographic.

Every year, a substantial number of workers suffer severe injuries, illnesses, or even death due to the effects of extreme heat in the workplace. In 2021 alone, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 36 deaths nationwide attributed to environmental heat exposure during work.

Researchers delving into the subject unveiled a significant finding: an overwhelming 91.9 percent of workplace injuries categorized as “exertion-related” were linked to extreme heat conditions.

Common heat stress injuries

Exposure to extreme heat can result in a range of work-related injuries and illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several common heat-related conditions, including:

• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a severe condition that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, leading to a dangerously high body temperature. It can result in confusion, loss of consciousness, and even organ damage if not treated promptly.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness. It often arises due to dehydration and can progress to heat stroke if not addressed by cooling the body and rehydration.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions caused by electrolyte imbalances due to sweating. They are usually experienced in muscles that are being heavily used during physical labor.
• Heat rashes: Heat rashes, also known as prickly heat, occur when sweat becomes trapped in sweat ducts, leading to red, itchy skin. They are particularly common in areas where clothing creates friction on the skin.
• Cardiac arrest (heart attack): Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering a cardiac arrest or heart attack, especially in individuals with preexisting heart conditions.
• Burn-related injuries: When workers come into contact with extremely hot surfaces, they can suffer burn injuries. These burns can range from mild to severe and may require medical attention depending on their extent.

Occupations most at risk

Heat-related injuries and illnesses can affect many workers, but certain professions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress due to the nature of their work and environments. These include:

• Construction workers: Construction workers often perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor environments, exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures. Wearing heavy protective gear and engaging in strenuous labor can increase the risk of heat-related issues.
• Excavation workers: Excavation workers who dig and manipulate the earth’s surface are exposed to both the sun’s rays and the heat reflected from the ground. The confined spaces they often work in can further exacerbate the heat stress.
• Farm workers: Agricultural laborers work long hours in the fields, often during the hottest parts of the day. The combination of physical exertion, exposure to the sun, and limited access to shade can make them susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
• Firefighters: Firefighters operate in high-temperature environments due to flames and equipment, wearing heavy protective gear that limits heat dissipation. Their physically demanding work can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or worse if not managed carefully.
• Kitchen workers: Kitchen workers spend their days near ovens and stoves, creating a high-heat work environment. The constant exposure to hot surfaces and confined spaces can contribute to heat stress.
• Factory workers: Factory workers in facilities with poor ventilation or inadequate cooling systems can be at risk. Those operating machinery or working near heat-emitting equipment are particularly vulnerable to heat-related conditions.
• Miners: Miners work in underground or confined spaces, where temperatures can rise due to the lack of ventilation. The physically demanding nature of mining, combined with heat-trapping conditions, poses a significant risk of heat-related illnesses.

Preventing work-related heat stress

Some of the most effective strategies for employers to reduce the risk of heat-related injuries on the job include:

• Educate workers about heat-related illnesses: Ensure that all workers are well-versed in identifying the early signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, so they can take immediate action.
• Implement frequent rest breaks: Encourage and schedule regular breaks during work in extreme heat, allowing employees to cool down and rehydrate. These intervals are essential for preventing overexertion and heat-related conditions.
• Promote adequate hydration: Stress the importance of drinking water regularly to prevent dehydration. Provide access to clean water and encourage workers to hydrate throughout their shifts.
• Adjust work schedules: Whenever possible, schedule outdoor tasks during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons. This reduces exposure to peak heat levels and minimizes the risk of heat-related injuries.
• Consider hiring more workers: In situations where the workload is particularly strenuous or demanding, consider increasing the number of on-site workers. This can help distribute the workload and prevent individual workers from succumbing to heat exhaustion.

Workers’ compensation lawyers serving MA & RI

At the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl, we understand how heat stress injuries can negatively impact workers and their families. Our dedicated legal team is committed to advocating for the rights of those who have suffered harm from extreme heat conditions in the workplace. With our extensive knowledge and experience of the workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need to help you find your way forward.

If you sustained an injury while on the job, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover the cost of your medical care and a percentage of your lost wages. However, actually getting the benefits you deserve can sometimes be challenging. This is why it’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests.

Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a law firm you can count on when it matters most. We can review your case, explain your potential legal options, and get right to work.

Annually, over one million workers experience on-the-job back injuries, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you’re among those who suffer a back injury at work, you’re generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits, facilitated by your employer’s insurance, can help cover your medical expenses, partial wage replacement, and other economic losses related to your work injury.

However, workers often have a lot of questions about the extent of compensation they might receive for their back injury. What constitutes the average settlement for workers’ compensation related to back injuries? Determining the settlement amount and other factors that influence it can be complex.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial. How much you ultimately receive for your back injury depends on various factors, including the nature of your injury and its impact on your life. Seeking guidance from an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure you secure fair compensation.

Workplace back injury settlements

The average settlement for a back injury in workers’ compensation cases typically falls between $40,000 and $80,000, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, it’s crucial to recognize that these figures merely represent an average range and don’t represent what you may be entitled to recover if you sustained a work-related back injury.

Actual payouts can differ significantly based on individual circumstances. Some individuals may receive less compensation for their work-related back injuries, while others could secure substantially higher sums. As such, it’s vital to avoid making assumptions and instead talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer who can calculate the value of your potential settlement.

Factors that can impact your claim

Numerous factors contribute to the value of workers’ compensation settlements for back injuries, including:

• Severity of the Back Injury: The extent of your back injury plays a significant role.
• Required Medical Care: The necessity for medical treatment, including procedures like back surgery, influences the settlement.
• Future Medical Care: If you require ongoing medical attention or additional surgeries in the future, this impacts the value.
• Recovery Time: The duration of time you need to recuperate and miss time from work contributes to the calculation.
• Ability to Return to Work: A determining factor is whether you can resume work after the injury or face prolonged absence.
• Pain and Suffering: The level of physical discomfort and emotional distress from the injury affects the settlement value.

All these aspects must be carefully evaluated to determine the appropriate compensation for your back injury.

What happens if you injure your back at work?

In most cases, you deserve full financial compensation for all the economic losses stemming from your back injury, such as:

• Medical Expenses: This includes covering the cost of your back injury treatment, including provisions for future medical needs.
• Income Replacement: You should receive compensation for the income you’re unable to earn while recovering from your back injury.
• Lost Future Earnings: If the severity of your back injury hampers your ability to work in the future, compensation for potential lost income should be considered.

How is settlement value calculated?

When an agreement cannot be reached between you and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider regarding the compensation for your back injury, a judge typically steps in to determine the amount you’ll receive.

In Massachusetts, these matters are frequently addressed by an Administrative Law Judge in the Division of Dispute Resolution, who is responsible for determining the appropriate settlement for your workers’ compensation back injury case.

Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, the resolution rests with an Administrative Law Judge within the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court located in Providence.

How long do workers’ comp cases take to settle?

Times can vary widely from one back injury case to another, but most workers’ compensation cases generally take about 12 to 18 months to finalize.

To get a precise estimate, it’s recommended to have a conversation with your workers’ compensation lawyer. With their extensive experience in navigating the legal process and the intricacies of the workers’ compensation system in your state, they can provide you with accurate insights.

An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ comp system

Work-related back injuries can have a profound impact on your life and livelihood. Whether you’re facing piles of medical bills, lost wages, or the uncertainty of recovery, seeking help from an experienced work injury lawyer is crucial.

At the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl, our dedicated legal team is here to support you throughout the entire process. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of workers’ compensation laws in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

From dealing with insurance companies to addressing complex legal issues, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your work-related back injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us provide the guidance and representation you need.