As the temperature rises in New York, so does the risk of construction workers suffering serious heat-related illnesses. Heat can cause more than just discomfort. If you are a construction worker in New York, you need to be aware of the dangers of working in the direct sun and heat.
Workers are often required to work in hot environments during the summer months and for long periods of time, which can lead to serious construction injuries. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses can occur, and can result in death.” It is for this reason that OSHA issued a report on the effects of heat on construction workers and recommendations for employers to help prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Some of the factors that can lead to heat stress include high temperature and humidity, direct sun, physical exertion and dehydration. Most of the time, a heat-related illness can be treated and the injured construction worker will recover. However, in severe cases, heat stress can lead to death.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and is caused by the body’s failure to regulate temperature and a significant rise in body temperature. A person suffering from heat stroke may show signs of confusion, irrational behavior, convulsions and may lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.
Some of the other disorders associated with heat stress include heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes. Employers can help reduce the chances of developing one of these disorders by providing cool drinking water, reducing physical demands, offering recovery areas, monitoring workers and rescheduling hot jobs for a cooler part of the day.
If you have suffered heat stroke or another disorder while working on a construction site, contact an experienced New York construction accident attorney at the law office of Rappaport, Glass, Greene & Levine, LLP at 866-639-5567 for legal advice.
