Archive for June, 2018

Whether you’re a student or teacher who is off for the summer, a full-time year-round employee looking for extra work, or a person who relies on seasonal employment as your source of income, the summer season brings big opportunities. Theme parks and farms, ice cream stores, and golf courses are all looking for extra help to manage the increased flow of business that warmer weather and vacation season brings. Unfortunately, summer’s seasonal jobs leave you vulnerable to countless workplace injuries. Though many people think of seasonal work as providing fewer protections than full-time employment, when it comes to workers’ compensation, most employees are covered.  Though nobody wants to incur a work-related injury, it’s nice to know that your employer is required to provide compensation for medical expenses, as well as for lost wages and other expenses depending upon the situation.

Each type of job has its own risks, and not all summer seasonal job injuries are related to the weather or weather-related activities, but some are. Here are the four most common summer seasonal job injuries.  

• Dehydration

You’ve heard the warnings about needing to drink more water, but most people don’t take them seriously, and that includes employers. Everybody needs to drink plenty of water each day, but if you are working in a high-heat situation or outside in the sun, it becomes even more essential. Your employer should provide you with a break time and you and your coworkers should be checking with each other to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

• Heat Stroke

If your job has you working in the sun or in a space that is not cooled or well-ventilated, you stand a good chance of suffering from hyperthermia. When a person becomes too overheated, the body can shut down its symptoms. You need to make sure you are hydrated, take breaks, and have the opportunity to cool down frequently.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

You may think that accidents are more likely to happen in the wintertime, but statistically speaking the summer is the most dangerous time to be in the car. If your job involves you driving or riding in a vehicle, you need to be aware of this risk, especially around construction sites, which tend to be more prevalent when the weather is warm.

• Falls

Falls are one of the most common workplace injuries all year long, but they are especially common when it’s warm out. You need to stay alert to avoid serious injury, but if you do fall and get hurt, workers’ compensation should reimburse you for your expenses.

Whatever your on-the-job injury, workers’ compensation is there to provide for your needs. For representation and information about your case, contact us today to set up an appointment.

The hottest days of the year are right around the corner, and with high heat comes additional risk for those who work outside. Whether your job is under the baking sun or inside in high-heat conditions, both situations put you at risk for heat-related injuries or illnesses. Though workers who are injured or sickened at work are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits including compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, the best answer is always to avoid injury in the first place. Here are some tips for dressing to work in extreme heat.

How Heat Can Lead to Fatalities, Injuries and Illnesses

Heat can take several different forms, from high air temperatures or humidity to radiant heat and direct physical contact with hot objects. The human body is made to maintain a constant temperature and when it comes into contact with too much heat or overheats itself, it attempts to cool itself. When the air temperature is warmer than the body it makes it difficult for the body to do that, and instead, it absorbs the heat’s energy. From a localized standpoint this results in a burn and from a whole-body standpoint it can raise the heart rate and cause whole-body symptoms. Heat-related illnesses include:

• Burns
• Sunburn
• Heat rash
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

If your job demands that you work outside in the sun, the following type of clothing can provide you with much-needed protection:

The fact sheet offers these tips for workers who must work in the heat:

• Guard against sunburn by covering up and wearing tightly woven clothing. Use sunscreen and wear a hat that protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. Wear UV-absorbent shades.
• Those who work in the sun are best served by clothing that has an aluminized outer layer that is reflective. Clothing should be breathable but still provide protection against any hazards imposed by the job’s responsibilities
• Those who work in high heat industrial environments of over 200 degrees must be protected by specialized suits and a system that provides breathable air.
• Those who work with hot objects need protective gear that will not deteriorate or auto-ignite.

In all cases, high heat workers are reminded to hydrate frequently and to take breaks if they believe that they are overheating. If you suffered a heat-related injury on the job and need information about workers’ compensation, contact us today to set up a convenient appointment.