Extreme Temperatures: Common Injuries While on the Job
Working in extreme temperatures can be dangerous. Whether it’s the heat of a summer day or the cold of a winter night, extreme temperatures can put workers at risk for a variety of injuries.
Let’s discuss the common injuries that can occur when working in extreme temperatures.
The Risks of Extreme Temperatures
Workers in fields like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing frequently find themselves in environments of extreme heat or cold. This exposure can lead to a variety of injuries, some more serious than others. Here are some of those…
Heat-Related Injuries
- Heatstroke
Heatstroke happens when the body’s cooling mechanisms fail, leading to a rapid and dangerous rise in body temperature. The condition manifests with high body temperature, altered mental states, fainting, and seizures.
- Heat Exhaustion
This condition occurs when the body loses significant amounts of fluids and salt, usually due to excessive sweating. Heavy sweating, rapid pulse, fatigue, and dizziness are common signs.
- Heat Cramps
These are muscle spasms resulting from a loss of salt and water during strenuous physical activities in a hot environment. The cramps can be quite painful and often affect the abdomen, arms, or legs.
Cold-Related Injuries
- Frostbite
Frostbite involves the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, typically affecting extremities like fingers, toes, and face. Symptoms include numbness, skin discoloration, and a tingling sensation.
- Hypothermia
This is a condition where the body loses heat more quickly than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Manifestations include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination.
- Trench Foot
Trench foot results from prolonged exposure to wet and cold environments and leads to symptoms like redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters.
What to Do If Injured Due to Extreme Temperatures
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is your most valuable asset. Whether it’s symptoms of heatstroke or signs of frostbite, seek medical care immediately.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
As soon as it’s feasible, inform your employer about the incident and your injuries in writing. Be clear and concise about the circumstances that led to your injury.
Step 3: Document Everything
Gather all evidence related to your injury. This could include photographs of the work environment, the names and contact information of any witnesses, and any correspondence with your employer about the incident.
Step 4: File a Workers Compensation Claim
To avail the benefits of workers compensation in Oklahoma, you must file a claim with the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission.
Step 5: Consult a Tulsa Workers Comp Attorney
The complexities of the Oklahoma workers compensation system are not to be navigated alone. Consulting a Tulsa workers comp attorney can provide you with the guidance needed to understand your rights and the types of compensation available to you.
The Oklahoma Workers Compensation Landscape
When you are injured due to extreme temperatures while on the job in Oklahoma, you have the right to seek compensation. Agencies like the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission and the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Court exist to protect workers’ rights and provide avenues for claims. As an individual unfamiliar with these legal processes, it can be challenging to know where to start.
This is where a Tulsa workers comp attorney can assist. The role of the attorney is not just limited to representing you in court. From filing the claim with the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission to negotiating settlements, a Tulsa workers comp attorney can guide you through every step, ensuring that your rights are upheld.
The Importance of Legal Support from Burton Law Group
Many workers are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to under Oklahoma workers compensation laws. According to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the frequency of occupational injuries remains high, but only a fraction of those affected ever seek legal help (BLS, 2020).
Oklahoma workers compensation lawyers can be invaluable in situations like this. They can help you understand the types of compensation available, from medical expenses to lost wages and rehabilitation services. With the help of an Oklahoma City workers compensation lawyer, you may secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Injuries due to extreme temperatures are not to be taken lightly. They can lead to severe health complications and financial burdens. Therefore, understanding your rights and availing the services of skilled Oklahoma workers compensation attorneys can make all the difference.
Don’t let the legal system intimidate you; let us at Burton Law Group be your guide through the maze of workers compensation in Oklahoma. Your health and livelihood are too important to gamble with. Reach out today.