People who work outdoors must take steps to protect themselves as the temperatures climb
By Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. Esquire
As excessive heat days become more frequent, so do the number of heat-related work injuries and deaths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 33,890 heat-related work injuries and 436 deaths since 2011, but these are believed to be low estimates – the actual impact is much higher.
Heat-related illnesses spike during the summer months and impact a wide range of workers. Those that work outdoors are most susceptible, especially when the temperature rises above 90 degrees. Industries such as public safety, construction, mining, transportation and utilities, and agriculture top the list. Men, new hires, and younger workers are some of the groups most likely to suffer a heat-related illness. Despite the dangers, very few states have heat standards to protect workers. Pennsylvania is not one of them.
Heat-related illnesses include:
- Heat Stoke
- Heat Exhaustion
- Syncope (loss of consciousness caused by a sudden decrease of blood flow to the brain)
- Cramps
- Rash
- Rhabdomyolysis (damaged muscle cells that release their contents into the bloodstream)
- Acute kidney injury
Injuries can be compounded when these symptoms impair motor skills, leading to accidents such as falling from a roof or ladder.
OSHA’s Proposed Rule for Heat Injury and Illness was published in 2024. It recommends:
- cool drinking water
- shaded or air-conditioned break areas
- indoor work area controls
- acclimatization plan for new and returning employees
- rest breaks of 15 minutes at least every two hours
- Buddy system/supervisor to observe signs and symptoms
If you work outdoors, be sure to take steps to protect yourself during extreme heat. If you do suffer a heat-related injury, you may have a Workers’ Compensation claim. You can contact us at 888-534-6016 or online for a free consultation.
