Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employees across New York, with heat-related injuries becoming increasingly common, especially during the hot summer months. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers suffer from heat-related illnesses every year, and between 2003 and 2017, exposure to environmental heat led to 815 worker deaths and 70,000 serious injuries in the United States. Heat-related workplace injuries can range from mild heat cramps to severe heatstroke, and they can occur in a variety of environments, from outdoor construction sites to indoor manufacturing plants. Understanding your rights and the benefits if you suffer from a heat-related injury at work is important. This is why we educate you on the process.

Heat-related injuries can have serious, long-term effects on your health. It is essential to recognize the risks and symptoms associated with these injuries to seek prompt medical attention and take appropriate action. With Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law by your side, you can rest assured our NY workers comp lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Types of Heat-Related Workplace Injuries

Common Heat-Related Injuries

1. Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms usually caused by heavy exertion and sweating, leading to loss of electrolytes.
2. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If left untreated, it can progress to heatstroke.
3. Heatstroke: A severe condition where the body's temperature regulation system fails, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, and potentially fatal complications.

High-Risk Environments

Heat-related injuries can occur in various work environments, including:

• Outdoor Worksites: Construction workers, landscapers, and agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Indoor Facilities: Factories, warehouses, and kitchens where high temperatures are present due to machinery or lack of ventilation.
• Occupational Settings: Emergency responders, utility workers, and other occupations requiring physical exertion in hot conditions.

Understanding Your Rights and Benefits

Workers' Compensation Benefits

In New York, workers who suffer heat-related injuries on the job are generally eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can include:

• Medical Coverage: Payment for all necessary medical treatments related to the heat injury, including emergency care, hospitalization, medication, and follow-up visits.
• Wage Replacement: Temporary total disability benefits if the injury prevents you from working for more than seven days. These benefits typically amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for permanent impairments resulting from the heat injury.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with retraining or job placement if you are unable to return to your previous job due to the injury.

Personal Injury Claims

While workers' compensation covers most work-related injuries, there are situations where a personal injury claim may be appropriate. This can occur if the injury was caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner. Personal injury claims can provide additional compensation for:

• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationships with family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, additional damages intended to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine if a third-party claim is viable.

Preventing Heat-Related Injuries

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related injuries. This includes:

• Training: Educating employees about the risks of heat-related injuries and how to recognize symptoms.
• Hydration: Providing adequate access to drinking water and encouraging frequent hydration.
• Rest Breaks: Implementing regular breaks in shaded or cool areas to allow employees to recover from heat exposure.
• Protective Equipment: Supplying appropriate clothing and equipment to protect against heat exposure.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitoring weather conditions and adjusting work schedules to minimize heat exposure during peak temperatures.

Employees should also take proactive steps to protect themselves, including staying hydrated, taking breaks, wearing appropriate clothing, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related injuries.

Have You Suffered From a Heat-Related Work Injury? We Are Here To Help

A heat-related workplace injury can be debilitating, but you do not have to face it alone. Retaining the services of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can give you peace of mind that someone is advocating on your behalf. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights, secure the benefits you deserve, and explore all legal avenues for additional compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready and waiting.