Heat-Related Injuries and Workers Comp
Workers’ Compensation for Heat-Related Injuries Sustained While Working Outside
For most workplace injuries, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits including being injured if you work outside in the heat. Parts of Florida experience brutal heat, especially during the summer months. Working outside during periods of extreme heat can be dangerous especially in areas with high humidity. Extended periods of exposure to the heat can result in heat-related injuries including:
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- Heat rash – Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating.
- Heat exhaustion – This often precedes a heatstroke. Symptoms include rapid breathing, fast pulse, weak pulse, and heavy sweating.
- Heat cramps – Muscle spasms or muscle pains.
- Heatstroke – Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature rises above 106 degrees in a matter of minutes. Heatstroke can be life-threatening.
