If you are an outdoor worker, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can make you vulnerable to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Your body may suffer serious physical effects from heat stroke, which also raises the possibility of a workplace accident.
It is possible to get workers' compensation if you suffer heat stroke while carrying out the duties of your job in New Jersey. One of the most important inquiries is: was the illness work related?
A NJ workers' comp lawyer can help prove this in your case. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at law can assist you in determining if you can submit a workers' comp claim and help you through the process.
Read on for more on this subject.
Heat Related Illnesses On The Job
Heat stress is a problem for workers who perform their jobs in hot conditions or who are subjected to excessive heat. Extreme heat exposure can cause work-related illnesses and injuries. Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and heat stroke can all be caused by excessive heat. Due to sweaty palms, fogged safety glasses, and dizziness, heat can also raise the risk of workplace injuries. Accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam can also result in burns.
Firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others who operate outdoors or in hot environments are among types of workers who are susceptible to heat related conditions including heat stroke.
Those who are 65 years of age or older, overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be impacted by excessive heat are at a higher risk of developing heat stress as workers.
Workers should receive training from their employers so they are aware of heat stroke, how it affects their health and safety, and how to avoid it.
What Is Heat Stroke?
When your body overheats to 104 degrees, you can experience a condition known as heat stroke that can be fatal or severely impact your internal organs and brain.
To avoid significant injury, workers should be able to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke and other heat-related disorders. These symptoms are:
- Dizziness
- Reduced sweating
- Dry or red skin
- Headache
- Cramped muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartbeat irregularities
- Breathing problems
- Disorientation
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Collecting Workers’ Compensation for Heat Stroke
Workers who spend most of their day outside in the hot sun increase their chances of suffering heat stroke.
You may be entitled to workers' compensation if you suffer heat stroke while working or carrying out activities related to your job. However, an employer or the workers' compensation insurer may contest your claim on the grounds that your condition was brought on by a preexisting condition or had nothing to do with the nature or scope of your job.
In cases like this, you need to gather all the evidence you can to support your claim, as the insurance company will conduct a thorough investigation in an attempt to deny your claim. Generally, an injured employee can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault, but the injuries must be related to your employment.
Our workers' compensation lawyers will help defend your claim and work to get you the benefits you are due.
How To Protect Yourself From Heat Stroke
Outdoor workers need to take precautions to protect themselves from the hot summer temperatures. To do this, you should dress comfortably and loosely to promote blood flow. Lightweight and light-colored clothing is also recommended to reduce sun absorption. It's also advised that employees consume plenty of water, while avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
Utilizing a buddy system where you have to keep an eye out for any indications or symptoms of heat stroke on a coworker may also be beneficial.
Finally, spend as much time as you can in a cool, shady environment or wear a sun-blocking cap or visor.
For a Free Consultation, Contact The NJ Workers' Comp Lawyers At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law
The risk of heat stroke is one that outdoor workers must deal with. To avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, adhere to the appropriate safety precautions.
However, if you suffer from heat stroke or are hurt at work, contact our workers' compensation lawyers to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.