Best ideas to protect workers from heat-related injuries
Those who work outdoors during the summer months or in hot indoor environments, don’t have the luxury of air conditioners or fans to stay cool. Some often endure hours of extreme heat and sweltering temperatures that can compromise their health.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 50-70 percent of outdoor worker fatalities happen within the first few days of working in hot temperatures. This is often due to the body not yet building a tolerance to the heat — also known as heat acclimatization.
The body naturally gets rid of excess heat through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. Once the body reaches its threshold, however, serious injuries can occur. The warning signs that it’s time for workers to cool down include thirst, irritability, rashes, cramping, and heat exhaustion.
Failure to cool down can lead to heat stroke, which is the most severe heat-related condition. The symptoms of heat stroke include unconsciousness, confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech. If not treated immediately, it could lead to death.
Most common risk factors
OSHA cites the most prevalent risk factors that lead to heat-related injuries. These include:
- Strenuous physical activity
- Working in hot environmental conditions
- Lack of heat tolerance
- Clothing that holds body heat
- Increased humidity
- Working in sunlight
- Working around heat-generating sources, like ovens, furnaces, and hot road surfaces
- Pre-existing health conditions
Outdoor workers who are the most at risk of sustaining heat-related injuries include:
- Farmers and other agricultural workers
- Construction workers — especially those who do roofing or road work
- Landscapers
- Mail and package delivery workers
- Oil and gas well operators
Heat-related injuries don’t always occur during the summer or during heat waves. Indoor workers who are the most at risk include:
- Those who work around ovens or other heat-generating appliances
- Electrical utility workers
- Firefighters
- Iron and steel mill workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Warehouse workers
Keeping workers safe in hot environments
It’s important that employers promote and accommodate the safety of workers in hot environments. Heat-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace are preventable. OSHA suggests that employers encourage workers to do the following within the first few days of working in a hot environment:
- Frequently drink water or sports drinks
- Work shorter shifts
- Take frequent breaks
- Be aware of heat-related symptoms
If you notice any minor heat-related symptoms, it’s important that you stop working, drink water and find a place to cool off immediately. You should never take a chance with your health, no matter what your job demands.
In the event of a worker-related injury or illness caused by a hot environment, you should discuss your matter with an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Your time away from work, and in recovery, can be costly. The legal team at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl will work tirelessly to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.