Summer Hazards for New England Construction Workers
Government agencies are calling on employers to train workers and help avoid injury related to heat stress.
July 22, 2012
Summer Hazards for New England Construction WorkersNew England temperatures vary widely between the seasons. From frigid winters to steamy summers, the range of temperatures can make life difficult for those who work outdoors to earn their living, including construction workers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes that construction workers face many physical and medical risks connected to the weather, particularly during the hot summer months. Heat related on-the-job injuries might be the basis for a workers' compensation claim.
Heat Stress Can Lead to Serious Injury for Construction Workers
These heat-related injuries are often the result of heat stress. Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion and increase the risk of injury to workers.
The risk of construction accidents increases when workers experience symptoms associated with the illness, including decreased vision due to foggy safety glasses or a decreased ability to control machinery because of sweaty palms. In order to prevent such accidents, employers need to provide training on how to avoid and recognize heat stress.
The primary forms of heat stress to be aware of are:
-Heat stroke
-Heat exhaustion
-Fainting, as well as cramps and rashes can also be caused by the heat
Heat stroke can lead to hallucinations, confusion and slurred speech and is the most serious heat related disorder. It can lead to death or permanent disability without treatment.
Ways to Stay Cool and Avoid On-the-Job Injury
Employers can avoid the risk of heat-related disorders by scheduling jobs during the cooler part of the day, assigning extra workers for physically demanding jobs and providing extra rest periods and cool water.
If employers do not follow these recommendations and injury results, victims may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, which cover medical and rehabilitative expenses. If you or a loved one is injured while at the workplace, it is wise to discuss your situation with an experienced worker's compensation lawyer to better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.
Article provided by Glaser Legal, PC
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