With summer quickly approaching, the risk of sustaining a workplace injury goes up. Working when it is hot and humid outside makes it difficult for your body to naturally cool itself. Workers who spend countless hours in the sun are at an increased risk of developing a workplace injury. If you or someone you know developed a workplace injury or illness due to prolonged exposure to the heat, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Common Workplace Injuries
Construction workers, landscapers, and farm workers are put at a higher risk of developing a heat induced workplace injury. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Heat Stroke: Heat stroke occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Workers spending long hours in the heat are at risk of developing heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness, confusion, and a racing heart. Although common, heat stroke can be life-threatening.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is another common, yet life-threatening condition. Dehydration occurs when your body lacks sufficient fluid and electrolytes to function properly. Working outside for long periods of time without hydrating yourself can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness and fainting, fatigue, and dark-colored urine.
- Falls: Studies show that workplace falls are more likely to increase during the summer months due to an increase in the amount of outdoor work employers may require from workers.
- Car Accidents: Employees whose job requires them to operate a motor vehicle are at a higher risk of getting into a car accident. Studies show that car accidents happen more often during the warmer months. Summer is also an ideal time for construction work, which may lead to more work-related accidents.
- Skin Cancer: Too much sun exposure puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer and sunburn. This is especially true for construction workers who spend long hours in the sun.
Workers’ Compensation for Summer Work Injuries
Workers’ Compensation laws make it so that employers are responsible for providing employees with safe working conditions. Eligible employees are those who were injured or developed an illness due to performing a work-related task for the benefit of their employer. Workers’ Compensation pays for your medical expenses, disability payments while you are out of work, and even death benefits.
Safe Practices During the Summer Months
The heat can be brutal for employees working out in the sun. To keep workers safe, employers should perform the following:
- Allow frequent water breaks
- Have an area set up specifically for employees to cool down
- Educate employees so that they recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses
- Avoid having employees engage in heavy work during the hottest periods
Wilmington Work Injury Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Represent Clients Injured While on the Job
Summer work injuries can be fatal. If you or someone you know sustained an injury while on the clock, a knowledgeable Wilmington work injury lawyer at Rhoades & Morrow can help. Our experienced lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (302) 427-9500 today. With locations in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout the state, including Elsmere and Seaford.
