Hot Summer Weather Can Lead To Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Claims

The hot summer days are great for fun and sun, but did you know that there are some concerns for workers who are battling this weather each and every day?  Hot summer weather may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you’re thinking about being injured at work, but this time of year, if you’re working outside you may find yourself in a situation that leads to a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim due to the extreme heat.

While there are many people who work outside in the summer, those that do it all day everyday are the most susceptible to possible health issues and injuries due to the heat.  People who work for landscape companies, on road construction crews, for a roofing company, or even someone working at a golf course as a grounds-keeper, may be susceptible to these kinds of injuries. 

So what injuries should you be on the lookout for if your job requires that you are exposed to hot weather on a regular basis?

1. Heat stroke: One of the deadliest conditions that can arise from being outside too long and working hard is heat stroke.  Those who experience heat stroke report conditions deteriorating over a very short amount of time with throbbing headaches and nearly instantaneous fevers spiking within minutes of the first sign of trouble.  Heat stroke can lead to permanent injury or death.

2. Heat exhaustion:  If you’re at work and you start to feel faint or begin sweating much more significantly than you have in the past, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion.  Often heat exhaustion happens when you have overexerted yourself in a hot and humid weather environment.  

3. Heat cramps: Cramps you get in your calves or stomach may not be the most serious of all issues from hot weather, but they can be a sign of worsening conditions to come.  If you start to feel cramps while you’re working in extreme heat conditions you may need to take a break from the work you’re doing and rest.  You may also want to insure that you are hydrating your body well enough to avoid these types of cramps.

In the earliest stages of a heat related injury or illness your most productive course of action would be to drink lots of water and take a break from the job.  If you don’t do that and then overexert yourself further you may be putting yourself at risk for a permanent and long-term injury or even death that could translate into a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim.