Florida is known for providing plenty of sunshine and hot summer days. For tourists, this is great news. However, for workers, it means serious dangers and potential injuries if the right safety steps are not taken.
While heat stress is one of the most common hazards related to working outdoors in the heat, there are other hazards present, too. If you are injured while on the job in the summer heat, you may have grounds to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To know if this is an option, contact Florida workers’ compensation lawyers.
Here you can also find some tips to keep cool and stay healthy while working outdoors this summer.
Keep Cool and Properly Hydrated
There are several health hazards that may occur when working outdoors on a hot, sunny day. Some of the most common that occur when working in a hot climate include:
- Heat cramps
- Heatstroke
- Heat rash
- Heat exhaustion
There are other health problems that may emerge, too, just from working in the heat.
While it’s not always possible to do your work in the shade, it’s a good idea to get out of the sun as much as you can during the workday. If you can’t stay in the shade, you should wear clothing that will protect your skin from the possibility of being burned. Along with being painful, sunburn may also cause skin cancer. Be sure to minimize your time in the sun when you can.
If you must spend time working in the sun, use sunscreen on any part of your body that doesn’t have clothing over it. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will provide you with the most protection. Also, make sure to reapply the sunscreen regularly.
Dehydration is also a risk when you are working in the heat. Be sure you drink plenty of water or sports drinks to help prevent fainting, stomach cramps, and other symptoms of dehydration.
Keep Drinks and Food Cold
Most employers realize that they need to have water available to their workers on hot days. However, they don’t always provide coolers for storing food and water.
If you bring food for meal breaks, be sure to store it in a cooler. This will prevent bacteria from growing on your food in the heat.
Also, drinking cool water reminds you that you are thirsty, while warm water can hide your thirst. It’s better to drink cool water if you can see so that you are encouraged to continue drinking.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Heat-Caused Injury
Heat is dangerous for workers of all ages. If you are injured on the job while working in the heat, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. It’s a good idea to get in touch with Florida workers’ compensation lawyers to learn more about your rights and help you get the benefits you are entitled to. Remember, heat can be dangerous, so it is up to you to protect yourself and stay healthy.
