Summer is here and with it, we see extended hours of sunlight and extremely hot conditions. These kind of conditions can be hard to work in especially if your job requires you to work outside. During the summer months working in extreme conditions can make it easy for workers to become prone to heat related injuries.
Heat related injuries can be life threatening and should always be taken seriously, no matter how severe initial symptoms seem to be.
Types of Heat Related Injuries
Heat related injuries can affect your work and in some severe cases, be life threatening. You should always seek medical attention if you believe you are affected by the heat while working. Examples of heat related injuries include:
- Heat stroke
- Exhaustion
- Cramps
- Heat rash also known as prickly heat
If conditions are too hot to work in, you should always notify your supervisor or manager. Anyone affected by the heat should stop work immediately and rest. Mistakes can be made during this time that may have bigger consequences while working. This is especially important if you are working with heavy machinery, in a kitchen or somewhere you are required to work at a great height.
Symptoms of Heat Related Injuries
Symptoms of the above conditions can present themselves in the form of:
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling weak with clammy skin
- Headache
- Loss of concentration and irritability
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Visual disturbances
- Becoming unconscious or having a seizure(s)
If left untreated heat related illness can turn deadly and change your life forever. If you have suffered a heat related injury at work then you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal help will allow you to start getting your life back on track.
What To Do If You Feel Too Hot
If you start to feel any of the above symptoms then stop working immediately and rest. Looking for a cool or shaded place where you can have a drink and rest. You should never push through any heat related symptoms. It is important to tell your supervisor if you start to feel unwell, they will be able to monitor you and call medical help if you need it.
Work safe over the summer months by:
- Drinking plenty of water and eat regular meals
- Replace fluid with water – you should never replace water with energy drinks or coffee
- Take plenty of rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas
- Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply every 2 hours or more if you are sweating
- Wear protective clothing (including hats and sunglasses) to avoid unnecessary sunburn
- Monitor the forecast and work during cooler times of the day
How AJB Stevens Lawyers Can Help
Our expert team of workers compensation lawyers will be able to assess your situation and advise if you may be entitled to compensation. Workers compensation doesn’t just apply to slips, trips and falls. If it is determined that your employer did not provide a safe workspace then compensation can help ease the financial burden of not being able to work.
Contact AJB Stevens Lawyers today to arrange a private consultation to learn about your rights and if you are entitled to workers compensation relating to heat illness and injury.
