The summer months can include a wide array of fun activities including beach trips and pool parties with friends and family. Although there is lots of fun to be had in the sun, heat can pose a serious threat to your health, especially if you work outdoors. Georgia experiences extremely high temperatures in the summer, often rising above 90 degrees. Although you may enjoy the outdoors to work on a perfect summer tan, heat-related illnesses are serious and can lead to dangerous health complications if the proper precautions are not taken. Luckily, heat-related injuries can generally be avoided through various basic measures of protection, however if you are exposed to a circumstance at your job in which you experience a heat-related illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. 

Heat-Related Illnesses

There are a handful of injuries that can occur if you are outdoors in the heat and sun for too long. When you are exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, your body works to cool itself down by rushing your blood to the surface of your skin. This can result in a number of life-threatening complications as this blood is no longer being properly pumped to the vital organs that need it. 

Heat-related injuries include: 

• Heat stroke 
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat rash 
• Heat cramps 

Proactive Prevention 

In order to avoid heat-related illnesses, you must actively work to prevent the common causes of this injury. If you must be outdoors in the months of May-August for work, there are some important tips you should follow in other to protect yourself: 

• Drink plenty of water
• Stay in the shade whenever possible
• Take frequent indoor breaks if you are participating in intense labor 
• Avoid sugar or alcohol 
• Wear sunscreen 

There are several industries that are most susceptible to heat-related injuries including construction, landscaping, and more. If your job falls under high risk for suffering from heat-related illnesses, your main priority should be to ensure your health and well-being while on the job. If you are in a situation in which you are exposed to too much heat as a result of your job responsibilities, you could receive workers’ compensation. Employers have the responsibility to ensure their employees have access to safe working conditions, especially if the workplace environment could potentially pose a dangerous threat, such as too much heat. Contact Poirier Law Firm today for more information about filing a workers’ compensation claim for a heat-related injury and remember to stay cool!