While many of us look forward to the warm summer weather, it can be a brutal time for those who work outdoors. Ask any road construction worker, landscaper, utility worker, or farmer: working in extreme heat and direct sun can be exhausting and challenging. It can also have a negative effect on your body and pose significant dangers, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and sunburn. Workers who are 65 years or older, are overweight, or have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are more prone to heat-related health problems.
Workers’ Rights to Safety in the Workplace
The health and safety of employees are paramount in the workplace. Under federal law and in every state, including Pennsylvania, employers have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. This includes protecting workers from extreme outdoor temperatures and conditions. Your employer should inform you of any workplace risks, provide proper training, and respond quickly to a work injury or illness. Additionally, there are small steps you can take to protect yourself from the extreme heat. The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates offer this infographic that lists things you can do to protect yourself while working in the sun and lessen your risk of falling ill or becoming injured.
While employers are required to comply with federal and state safety laws and many workplaces have procedures in place to ensure the well-being of employees, each year millions of workers suffer a workplace injury or illness. If you are injured in an accident at work that renders you unable to work, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates will review your options and go over the benefits you may be entitled to receive. Call us at 888-PITT-LAW or fill out a contact form online to schedule a free consultation today.
