Has a heat-related injury at work ruined your summer?
As summer ramps up, we begin to see more and more reports of employees being hospitalized for serious heat-related injuries.
A recent investigation by NBC News uncovered 107 reports of heat-related hospitalizations by UPS employees in 2015. The number is believed to be higher because these are just the reported hospitalizations. The segment featured a UPS worker named Jim who was hospitalized and almost died because of a heat stroke and kidney failure that were a result of his working conditions. He stated that UPS trucks are not air-conditioned and temperatures in the cargo area of the trucks can reach up to 152 degrees. UPS said in a statement that they believe air conditioning would be “ineffective” but that they encourage their drivers to “drink water” and “rest” when needed. However, Jim indicated that employees do not want to complain about their conditions for fear of retaliation from the company. Working through these conditions not only leaves employees in danger but also others out on the road.
What are the most common and serious heat-related injuries?
OSHA states that the most common heat-related injury that can occur while working in extreme temperatures is heat rash. Heat rashes cause painful skin irritations and occur when sweat does not evaporate from the skin.
Heat exhaustion and heat cramps occurs from heavy sweating which results in an excessive loss of water and salt from the body. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, cramping, irritability, thirst, and heavy sweating.
Heatstroke is one of the most serious heat-related injuries you can develop while working. Heatstroke occurs as a result of your body being unable to control its own temperature. This causes an extremely rapid increase in the body’s temperature where the body is unable to cool itself down by sweating. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
What do I do if I have been diagnosed with a heat-related injury while working?
If you experience any of these symptoms while working in excessive heat, call 911 immediately. Once you have been diagnosed with a heat-related injury that occurred while you were working, it is important to notify your employer and then file a claim for workers’ compensation. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your case contact an attorney at Eason & Tambornini, ALC.
