As the summer months heat up in St. Louis, outdoor workers face a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
There are a growing number of workers suffering from heat related illnesses during the hot summer months. These illnesses such as heat stroke, are particularly prevalent in employees who work outdoors like gardeners and construction workers. We tend to embrace the sunnier weather, but we need to realize just how dangerous it can be and how easily we can suffer from problems such as heat exhaustion. Some workers are suffering from irreversible conditions due to the heat, and there have even been some fatalities.
It has been reported that in one year, more than two and a half thousand workers suffered from a heat related illness and sadly there were also eighteen deaths from heat related illnesses including heat stroke. Employers should do all they can to keep their employees safe from the harsh effects of the sun.
How to Keep Employees Safe in the Heat
If your workers are working outdoors, it’s very important to ensure that they have plenty of breaks to cool down. Working causes your temperature to rise, so you need to stop and let it fall a little before you start working again.
When your workers have their break, there must be a shaded area for them to rest in. It’s no good giving them a break if they are going to spend it sat in the scorching midday sun.
When you have new people on the job, or a worker returns to their job after a vacation or a leave of absence, you must introduce them back into the work in the heat gradually so their body can become accustomed to the temperatures. Over time, they will build up a tolerance to the heat, but it can be overwhelming to people who are not used to being outdoors in the heat of the day for long periods of time.
It’s important that everyone knows the procedure if a worker is showing signs of sun related illness. Signs such as severe fatigue and disorientation can all point to heat stroke. Ensure that all workers know to keep an eye on themselves and their co-workers.
There should be sufficient access to water, it’s so important to keep hydrated when you are out in the sun.
Contact a St Louis Work Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured at work due to heat stroke or other heat-related illness, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Our St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices so that you can receive the best medical care, benefits and income. Missouri Workers’ Comp enables an injured worker to receive medical benefits as well as income benefits. You should be receiving treatment for ALL of your injuries, not just the ones the insurance company wants to accept. Do not let the carrier deny you benefits.
Call us at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation.