Overheating? Get Workers' Compensation
There's no doubt that some occupations just naturally call for hot working conditions. You might work outdoors or indoors without enough air-conditioning. Whatever the cause, working in high temperatures can take a toll on the body and mind. When you get seriously affected by hot working conditions, you might want to consider filing a workers' compensation claim. To find out more, read on.
Heat Stress and Heatstroke
Both heat stress and heatstroke are dangerous. Heat stress can send you to the hospital with cramps, rashes, fainting, and dehydration, while heatstroke can cause death and is far more serious. Exposed workers and those around them should watch out for red flag symptoms like hallucinations, chills, heavy sweating, slurred speech, and confusion. Heatstroke is an emergency and must be treated immediately. Call 911 right away if you or a coworker experiences it.
Your Employer Is Responsible
Each employee should do all they can to avoid getting overheated, but it's also the employer's job to ensure workers have safe working conditions. If a worker is sickened by hot working conditions and has to seek medical care, the employer's workers' compensation insurance should cover it. If the worker needs time off from work to get better, the employer's workers' compensation should cover part of the worker's salary. As for the worker, be sure to let your direct supervisor know about your heat-related illness right away and then to follow up with a claim form for benefits.
Issues With Workers' Compensation Claims
Just like all insurance companies, workers' compensation is a for-profit business. When they have to pay a worker for a claim, they lose money. For workers that need help, that can result in held up and denied claims. When you encounter problems with a work-related injury or illness, things can get worse quickly. Being unable to work, hurt, and missing a few paychecks can cause chaos in several areas of your life. A denied claim is not the end of the process. You are entitled to an appeal process, but some workers are unaware of how to take action.
Fortunately, help in the form of a workers' compensation lawyer is available. When issues arise after a work-related illness like heat stress or stroke (or anything else), seek advice and support from an attorney who will work to get you the benefits and monetary compensation you deserve. Reach out to a workers' compensation attorney at a firm near you.