OSHA reminds employers of summer temperature risks

Outdoor workers in North Carolina who do not have regular access to drinking water and shaded areas are at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is the message being pushed heavily by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a campaign designed to cut down on the 2,630 American workers who developed a heat-related illness in 2014.

While workers who develop heat related illnesses are sometimes able to rejoin the workforce after a short period of rest, the consequences of heat stroke can be fatal. OSHA is urging employers to review their orientation and training programs and use resources like animated videos and illustrations to make improvements. The safety agency’s focus on training is a result of their investigations into heat-related incidents that have often involved workers with only a few days of experience.

Another potential hazard for outdoor workers during summer months comes from lightning. OSHA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a joint fact sheet detailing the risks posed by lightning during the summer months. Lightning kills about 50 people each year in the United States, and employers are urged to monitor weather conditions and forecasts frequently when their workers are exposed to the elements. The safety campaign highlights the unpredictable nature of lightning by pointing out that it can strike as far as 10 miles away from rainfall.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim and dealing with the claims process can sometimes be a frustrating experience for injured workers. This may be especially true if a claim is challenged by an employer or delayed for some reason. Attorneys with experience of workplace accident cases may assist injured workers with their claims, answer their questions about the potential benefits and advocate on their behalf during workers’ compensation hearings.

At the Law Offices of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, each of their attorneys brings nearly 20 years of legal experience to people throughout Western North Carolina.  They focus their representation on the needs of people with problems involving Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation Claims, Social Security Disability, Criminal Defense, Traffic Violations and Family Law matters.  For more information, visit www.heltonlaw.com.