Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog
As we recently reported on our Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Blog, officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently held a press teleconference to discuss the 2012 Heat Illness Prevention Campaign.
Well the campaign is now in full swing now and officials are working around the clock to help raise awareness about the risks and the consequences of heat-related injuries in Massachusetts and elsewhere. In correlation with the safety campaign, the Safety Administration recently released a plethora of materials and information to help employers and employees better recognize the risks and dangers associated with working in the warm weather.
Our Boston workers’ compensation attorneys understand that the warm weather is rolling in and so are the risks for heat-related injuries on the job! As a matter of fact, there are thousands who are injured and about 30 who are killed in the U.S. every year because of heat-related accidents. Employees who work outdoors and complete labor-intensive duties are at the highest risks for these kinds of accidents. Workers at the highest risks include farm workers, construction workers, roadside employees, roofers, utility workers, landscapers, baggage handlers and more. Employers and employees are urged to enact procedures to deal with heat-related injuries. Preparedness can help to save lives!
“It is essential for workers and employers to take proactive steps to stay safe in extreme heat, and become aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion before they get worse,” said Dr. David Michaels, with OSHA.
To get ready for the summer season and for the heat, OSHA officials have recently released a new webpage with all of the information workers need to know about heat-related injuries. Workers are urged to review the webpage to learn ways to recognize heat-related injuries, how to prevent these injuries and what to do in the event of one. Materials are available in both Spanish and English.
How to Prevent a Heat-Related Injury on the Job:
-Remember these three words: Water. Rest. Shade.
-Be sure to keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
-Take plenty of breaks and stay in the shade.
-Make sure your work site has prevention steps in place and that all employees are fully trained.
-Gradually build up workers’ ability to work in hot conditions.
-Complete heavy, vigorous work in the morning when temperatures are typically lower.
-Ease new workers into the heat. Don’t toss them into a full day of work in the heat during their first day on the job.
-Train all workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses as well as what to do if these symptoms are witnessed.
-Have an emergency plan — acting quickly can save lives!
Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers LLC is a group of knowledgeable and experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who are committed to fighting for the rights of employees who have been injured in a work-related accident in Boston, Quincy, Taunton and elsewhere throughout the state of Massachusetts. Call (617) 777-7777 to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Teens at High Risk for Boston Work Accident through Summer, Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog, May 7, 2012