Heat waves are increasing the risk of workplace injury claims
Outdoor workers face increasing heat waves as a work hazard, which puts them at risk for heat stroke and kidney damage from ongoing dehydration. A sick or injured worker loses work hours, incurs increased medical costs, and low-income laborers face this condition disproportionately.
According to the World Health Organization, 2000-2019 studies conclude that 489,000 heat-related deaths occur annually, with occupation and socio-economic conditions increasing risk. The impact of climate on work shows workplaces must implement safety procedures, from cooling stations to mandatory breaks, to protect them.
How Do Heat Waves Put Workers at Risk?
Heat-related injuries in workers start from an overwhelming of their body’s natural cooling system. Heat exhaustion and cramps develop from excessive sweating and water and salt depletion. Outdoor workers can become nauseous or dizzy, which can cause them to pass out. That’s even more dangerous if it happens at a height, like on a roof or scaffolding.
When body temperature spikes dangerously high, they can go into heat stroke, which shows up in:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Passing out
This can lead to organ failure and death.
Not being able to rapidly replace water during heavy sweating forces the heart to work harder and accelerates heat strain further. It can reduce one’s reaction time, leading to poor decision-making.
What Workplace Safety Measures Should Be in Place?
Employee safety during heatwaves involves easy water access close to their work zone. Schedule mandatory rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Try to adjust shifts and work duties that involve extra exertion or physical labor to the cooler early morning or evening hours.
Managers should monitor local heat index metrics and air quality warnings on apps and OSHA’s Heat Safety tool. Provide cooling gear such as misting stations and train supervisors and staff about symptom awareness to quickly spot signs of heat exhaustion before a more life-threatening situation develops.
Where Do Legal Issues Come In?
Heat-related injuries are adding to workplace injury claims, and as the planet continues to overheat, businesses must prepare. Otherwise, companies face legal consequences if someone’s safety and health are endangered.
Workers can hold their employer accountable for not implementing suggested safety measures despite these warnings. Parker Waichman injury lawyers can represent claimants who have suffered the effects of heat illness at work and have lingering damage like kidney failure. Loved ones can also sue for the wrongful death of a worker who died from this issue.
OSHA states that employers have a legal obligation to keep workplaces free from recognized serious hazards, which includes extreme heat. Companies must also comply with state-level occupational safety agencies with specific temperature thresholds that trigger mandatory breaks.
Protect Workers from the Effects of Global Warming
As the world continues to experience heat waves, it affects safety in homes and jobs. That’s why workers need extra protection, especially those who work outdoors, to avoid related illnesses and potential fatalities. It’s up to employers to ensure that their workers are protected for their safety and to avoid being guilty of gross negligence.
Learn more about workplace safety, climate issues, and weather protection on our website.
