Long-term exposure to high temperatures can leave you susceptible to heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, especially if you are an outdoor worker.
Heatstroke can have a severe physical effect on your body and increase the chances of a dangerous workplace accident.
If such an injury occurs while you are performing the requirements of your job, it may be possible to obtain workers’ compensation. Henness & Haight’s Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys can help you determine if you are entitled to file a claim. If you are, we will guide you through the process.
What is Heatstroke?
Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when your body overheats to 104 degrees, often causing severe damage to your internal organs and brain or resulting in death.
Workers should be able identify the signs of heat stroke and heat-related illnesses to prevent serious injury. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Reduced sweating
- Red, hot and dry skin
- Weak or cramped muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Disorientation or confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Outdoor workers in Nevada should watch closely for these symptoms. If you display any of these symptoms, relocate to a cool and shaded area, drink small amounts of water and immediately contact emergency services.
Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation for Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a common condition suffered by workers who spend long hours outdoors in Nevada’s high temperatures.
If you suffer a heat stroke while at work or performing work-related duties, you may be eligible for compensation through a workers’ compensation claim.
However, an employer or insurer may argue that your condition was caused by a preexisting condition or was unrelated to your scope of employment and deny your claim.
Henness & Haight’s Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to fight for your claim to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
We will help you obtain copies of medical records taken during your initial visit to the medical professional who treated you for heat stroke.
We will also collect weather data records from the date of your injury, as well as witness testimonies from your co-workers to give a first-hand account of the conditions you faced.
Workplace Protection from Extreme Heat
Employers in Nevada are required by state and federal laws to protect their workers from exposure to dangerous hazards, including high outdoor temperatures.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide the following workplace safety measures to prevent heat stroke:
- Create an emergency plan that details what a worker should do if he or she displays signs of a heat-related illness and ensure medical services are readily available.
- Allow employees to slowly adjust to high-temperature environments. This means gradually increasing workloads and allowing frequent breaks for new employees or those who have been out of work for a week or more.
- Provide adequate drinking water for workers. The water source must be close to the area and workers should drink small amounts frequently.
- Workers should be allowed to evenly distribute workloads throughout the day and include work/rest cycles.
- Reduce physically demanding work during hot weather or schedule heavy work during cooler parts of the day.
How Can Workers Protect Themselves from Heat Stroke?
Workers in Nevada may have to take extra steps to protect themselves from the state’s high summer temperatures.
You should wear loose-fitting clothing that allows circulation. Your clothing should also be lightweight and light-colored to prevent sun absorption.
Workers are also recommended to drink plenty of fluids. However, you should refrain from fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
It might also be helpful to use a buddy system that requires you to closely monitor a co-worker for signs or symptoms of heat stroke.
Furthermore, you should spend as much time as possible in a cool and shaded area, or wear a hat or visor that blocks the sun.
Contact Our Las Vegas Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Heat stroke is an all-too-common danger that outdoor workers in Nevada constantly face. It is important that you stay safe and follow proper safety measures to prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
However, if you are injured in a work-related accident caused by heat stroke, contact our Las Vegas workers’ compensation attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We will assist you with your claim to ensure it is properly filed and accurately lists the compensation you are entitled to medical bills and lost wages.
Our work is provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us any upfront fees. We only require payment if we successfully represent your claim.