Heat-Related Illnesses: Take Precautions To Reduce Long-Term Disability Risks In Florida Over Summer

Summer in Florida means soaring temperatures and plenty of sun. While this may be fine for people on vacation, it can create challenges for workers. Heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses are common among a variety of employees at this time of year and can have serious, potentially life-threatening impacts on your health. Unfortunately, recovery can be a slow process and long-term disabilities may occur as a result.

The Risk Of Heat Stroke and Other Heat-Related Illnesses 

You do not need to work outside to be at risk for heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in Florida. While it is particularly common among farmers, landscapers, roofers, road crews, and people staffing amusement parks or other outdoor attractions, it can also happen to workers in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, bakeries, restaurants, or anywhere with poor ventilation.

The Mayo Clinic warns that heatstroke is one of the most common and dangerous heat-related illnesses. It can happen due to strenuous or prolonged exertion in hot temperatures, as the body’s core temperature keeps rising higher and higher. It is a potentially life-threatening condition and can cause permanent damage to your heart, kidneys, brain, or other body organs. Even in cases where it is not fatal, it can leave victims suffering long-term disabilities. Symptoms to be alert for include:

• Body temperature of 104 or higher;
• Confusion, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Rapid, shallow breathing;
• Sudden and severe headache.

While heatstroke is the most severe, other heat-related illnesses that can have serious, potentially long-term impacts on your health include heat stress and heat exhaustion. 

Take Precautions To Reduce Heat-Related Long Term Disability Risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that heat-related illnesses can result in long-term disabilities or even death. Affected workers unable to perform their jobs as a result may at first be eligible for benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. In cases where impacts of heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses last for a year or longer, long-term disability benefits available through your employer can help ensure you and your family are provided for.

To protect yourself, review any long-term disability policies you currently have in place. To prevent heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses, take these precautions:

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing when working outdoors;
• Make sure to have plenty of water available;
• Take frequent breaks in a shaded location;
• Avoid overly strenuous work at the hottest part of the day;
• Develop a buddy system with co-workers, where you watch each other for symptoms.

If you suspect you or a co-worker is suffering from heatstroke or another type of heat-related illness, get medical attention right away.

Contact Our Florida Long-Term Disability Attorney

Heat-related illnesses are a common cause of long-term disabilities in Florida. At Farrell Disability Law, we help workers get the benefits they are entitled to. To discuss your rights in filing a long-term disability claim, call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Jacksonville long-term disability attorney in our office today.

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581

cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html