Avoiding Heat-Related Illness in the Workplace This Summer
Every
day, construction workers are exposed to a variety of hazards, including the
risk of falling debris or objects. Because of the high probability of death,
being struck by an object is one of the "fatal four" hazards in the
construction industry.
There
is an obligation on the part of construction companies and their employers to
ensure that work areas are safe and eliminate the risk of falling objects.
Sadly, this can lead to serious accidents and injuries if you don't.
Falling Object-Induced Injuries
Injuries
sustained by falling objects can be long-lasting or even permanent. Injuries
can be caused by even the tiniest of objects when they fall from great heights.
The weight of the object and the height it fell from will determine the
severity of the injury.
Among the most common construction site
injuries caused by falling objects are:
•
Injuries to the brain, such as
concussions,
•
Injuries to the bones
•
Puncture the wounds.
•
Injuries that are crushing
•
Disfiguration
•
Lacerations
Workers
who lack proper training and employers who fail to properly inspect a work site
are often responsible for falling object accidents.
Do you know how to avoid heat-related
injuries?
Preventing
heat illness is the best way to avoid it. Employees need to be educated and
trained on how to avoid heat-related emergencies, and employers must do the
same.
Safety
Heat-related illnesses and deaths at work have been the subject of numerous BLR
investigations. When a coworker noticed that a planing mill worker was acting
and walking abnormally, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. As a
result of his heat-related illness, the employee died in the hospital.
Similarly, a masonry worker died after being left outside in temperatures as
high as 108°F for an extended period of time with no safety precautions taken
by his employer, despite the fact that the worker had been exposed to
temperatures as high as 91°F. Heat safety awareness is essential for preventing
tragedies like this. OSHA offers five tips for reducing the risk of heat-related
illness on the job, including:
The following guidelines must be followed
by all employees:
•
If they have an underlying medical
condition, you should take extra precautions.
•
Rest whenever you can.
•
Due to their excessive perspiration, they
should rehydrate themselves.
•
Dress in light-colored and cool-fabric
attire to keep cool
•
Keep away from booze and other drugs
•
When experiencing heat-related symptoms,
immediately seek medical attention.
Employers
should:
•
Workers should have access to water,
shade, and rest breaks.
•
Learn about heat acclimatisation in the
workplace.
•
Emergency medical services are available
for those in need.
•
Keep an eye out for any symptoms of
illness among your employees.
Assisting You With Your Recovery After A
Falling Object Incident
Legal
options may be available to construction workers who were injured by falling
debris or objects while on the job. Construction workers hired as full-time
employees in the construction industry should be covered by workers'
compensation benefits by default. Are you liable for a work injury claim in Los
Angeles?
A
third-party injury claim can be filed if your employer hired you as an
independent contractor and your accident was caused by their negligence. The
sooner you file your claim, the better, so don't put it off any longer than
necessary. If you've been injured, the DYS Law Group
is here to help you get back on your feet. For a free consultation with our
legal team, call our Drasin Yee & Santiago office at 213-855-4749 today.
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