According to reports recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees sustain more injuries during June, July, and August than any other months of the year. In fact, statistics show that roughly 3,300 employees sustain injuries each June day. Unfortunately, the majority of these accidents occur due to lack of supervision and enforcement of OSHA safety standards and procedures.
According to various reports, most accidents that occur in the workplace involve injuries or harm to the following areas:
- Musculoskeletal
- Spine
- Back
- Neck
- Legs
Because summer months bring much warmer weather, many employees are exposed to extreme heat, which can largely contribute to summertime workplace injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that in 2014, 18 individuals across the United States suffered fatal injuries due to heat exposure.
How to Prevent Heatstroke in the Workplace
In most cases, fatalities and injuries caused by heatstroke are completely preventable. To avoid suffering a heat-related illness while on the job, consider the following safety tips our Virginia injury lawyers have listed below:
- Hydrate Regularly: Employees working in high-heat conditions should hydrate at least every 15 minutes in order to avoid injuries caused by dehydration.
- Be Aware of the Signs: Employers should teach their employees how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion and the actions to take when these symptoms become apparent.
- Take Breaks When Necessary: When working in hot conditions, it is important for employees to take short breaks until they are completely acclimated to working in high heat or humidity.
The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC Is Here for You
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, our Virginia injury attorneys care about the safety of workers, and that is why we commit a large part of practice to safeguarding the rights of employees. If you or someone you love was injured in the workplace, we invite you to get in touch with a Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer from our team right away. We can examine your case and determine which legal strategies can help you pursue compensation so that you can recover in the shortest amount of time possible.
To speak with a member of our team, get in touch with The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC by calling our firm or filling out a case evaluation form online. We are ready to put our team on your side.