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Protecting California workers from heat stress

Diefer Law Group

Heat Stress

While Southern California might be known for having a temperate climate, workers could still be subjected to extreme temperatures. Workers outside can face relentless sunlight and 100-degree temperatures as the summer months progress. Additionally, conditions inside can become stifling due to lack of air circulation and heavy physical labor. No matter the scope of your task, it is imperative that you take steps to protect yourself from heat stress while on the job.

Even though heat stroke might be the most serious type of heat illness, OSHA cautions workers about numerous other conditions. Extreme heat and lack of proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Common risk factors for these conditions can include:

  • Environmental factors such as high temperatures, high humidity, direct sun exposure and no breeze
  • Heavy physical labor
  • Failing to hydrate
  • Failing to wear “breathable” clothing

 

Additionally, employees who are not accustomed to working in high heat might immediately suffer extreme negative consequences as they are not used to the conditions and will likely overdress or fail to take an appropriate number of breaks.

 

Are there common symptoms?

Workers can suffer various severities of heat illness based on numerous factors. Fortunately, the conditions tend to share common symptoms so it might be possible to recognize danger and react to it. Common symptoms can include:

  • Physical symptoms including headache, dizziness, fainting, muscle weakness, nausea and thirst.
  • Cognitive symptoms including irritability, confusion, memory loss and loss of ability to think clearly

 

When facing heat stroke specifically, workers might suffer fainting spells, seizures and ultimately stop sweating which indicates the body’s loss of the ability to regulate its own temperature.

Supervisors must take steps to protect their workers from serious heat illness during the summer. These methods of prevention can include:

  • Modification of work schedules so work is not performed during the hottest portion of the day
  • Scheduling frequent rest periods for water breaks in climate-controlled conditions
  • Distribute appropriate work gear that provides cooling layers
  • Designate a trained individual who can monitor conditions and provide warnings to workers who are at risk

 

If you were injured while performing a work task or suffered a heat illness while on the job, it is wise to discuss your unique situation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. You might be eligible to recover compensation benefits.

Picture of Abel Fernandez

Abel Fernandez

Attorney Abel Fernandez believes in the aggressive representation of injured workers. Workers’ compensation law is a very difficult and frustrating area of the law. Employees routinely have medical treatment and benefits delayed or denied by insurance companies. Mr. Fernandez fights for the rights of the injured worker to get medical treatment and the maximum amount of benefits possible. We have experience fighting the insurance company and adjusters, and we are committed to obtaining the best outcome possible for our clients.


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355 South Grand Avenue Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

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6670 Alessandro Blvd Suite H,
Riverside CA, 92506

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Irvine, CA 92614

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34204 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629

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San Diego, CA 92130

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Diefer Law Group, P.C.

Irvine

2030 Main Street
Suite 1356
Irvine, CA 92614

(949) 799-1860

San Diego

12636 High Bluff Drive
Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92130

(619) 728-3990

Los Angeles

355 South Grand Avenue
Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 973-6142

Riverside

6670 Alessandro Blvd
Suite H,
Riverside CA, 92506

(951) 470-1862

Dana Point

34204 Pacific Coast
Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629

(949) 799-1534

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By contacting Diefer Law Group, you agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding your legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material. Emails, text messages, and phone calls may be automatically generated using the information from this contact form to better coordinate communication. You understand that your consent to this is not necessary to obtain legal services from Diefer Law Group. Messaging and data rates may apply.