Heat Related Illness and Injury in Workers’ Compensation

Exposure to extreme heat in workplace environments can cause a variety of illnesses and injuries. Heat related illnesses most commonly occur with workers in the fields of agriculture, construction, landscaping, delivery, and firefighting. Indoor workplaces with high temperatures such as bakeries and kitchens, boiler rooms, warehouses, and foundries can also cause these conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, heat related illnesses don’t always occur in extremely high temperatures. Your level of physical exertion is a contributing factor that can cause heat illnesses even in less extreme temperatures. In this article, we will explore the different types of conditions that can be caused by heat, risk factors, prevention, and what you can do if you are impacted by one of these illnesses or injuries.

If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits that can cover your medical bills and expenses while you are unable to work.

Heat stroke, the most serious and deadly heat related illness, happens when the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature. Body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher in just a few minutes in cases of heat stroke. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion, extreme sweating or skin that is hot and dry to the touch, and seizures. Heat strokes can be fatal if treatment is delayed so it is crucial to seek immediate emergency care for this condition.

Heat exhaustion is a less severe, but still serious, heat related condition. Heat exhaustion occurs due to a loss of water and salt in the body from sweat. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, sweating profusely, and an elevated body temperature. Heat exhaustion must be treated immediately to avoid progression into heat stroke.

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by heat stress and physical exertion. Rhabdomyolysis causes rapid breakdown and death of muscle tissues. This causes toxic parts of your muscle fibers to enter your bloodstream and kidneys. If untreated, this condition can be fatal. Symptoms include muscle pain and cramps, swelling, dark brown or red urine, and weakness.

Heat syncope, or fainting, can also occur in extreme heat, usually after standing for a long period of time or from standing up quickly after sitting or lying down. Heat syncope can cause other injuries from the act of falling while fainting. These can include serious head injuries from falling on hard surfaces.

There are several risk factors that can make it more likely for a person to be affected by heat related illnesses. If you are over 65, overweight, taking certain medications (like beta blockers, antihistamines, diuretics, or some mental health medications) you are at a higher risk. Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and heart conditions can also make you more susceptible. If you fall under any of these categories, you must take precautions to ensure your safety in higher temperatures.

You can prevent heat related illnesses in the workplace in a few ways. First, always make sure to stay hydrated. The CDC recommends that workers consume 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes in high temperatures. This might seem excessive, but it is one of the most effective ways to minimize your risk of heat related illnesses. Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, and are recommended in addition to, not replacement of, water. Taking frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning can also lessen your risk. It might be necessary to shorten your shifts at work if the temperatures are extreme.

If you’ve suffered a heat related illness or injury in your workplace, it is important to contact an attorney who can guide you through the process of workers’ compensation. In the state of Pennsylvania, you have 120 days to report your workplace injury to your employer in order to be considered for workers’ compensation. We recommend that you report and document your illness or injury as soon as possible and contact us to help you with the process.

Workers’ compensation cases can be complicated and insurance companies will often try to argue that your injury happened outside of the workplace. In these cases, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side.

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