Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

Educating employers and their workers regarding prevention of heat-related illnesses is the goal of a new nationwide outreach proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Our Illinois workers' compensation lawyers know that working in extreme temperatures can cause heat-related Chicago work illnesses that could be life threatening.

"If you're working outdoors, you're at risk for heat-related illnesses that can cause serious medical problems and even death," said Secretary Solis. "But heat illness can be prevented. This Labor Department campaign will reach across the country with a very simple message – water, rest and shade."

Heat-related illnesses happen to thousands of outdoor workers each year. What begins as heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke, which caused 30 workers' deaths last year. Our bodies sweat to keep us cool if we don't replace all the fluid that we sweat out our body overheats. If our body temperature goes above 104 it can cause a coma or seizures which can lead to a heart attack and death.

If you must work outside:

-Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and cut down on caffeine.
-Wear light colored and lightweight clothing.
-Try to stay in the shade.
-Take frequent breaks.

Signs and Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

-Profuse sweating and fatigue.
-Headache, dizziness and fainting.
-Pale, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting
-Extreme thirst and rapid heartbeat
-Muscle and abdominal cramps.

If you or someone you are working with shows signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion get to a cool or shady place quickly. Drink plenty of water. If there is no improvement in 30-60 minutes medical attention should be sought.

"As we move into the summer months, it is very important for workers and employers to take the steps necessary to stay safe in extreme heat," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "Drinking water often, taking breaks and limiting time in the heat are simple, effective ways to prevent heat illness."

OSHA developed Spanish and English versions of heat-related illness educational material for employees; along with training material for employers. California OSHA assisted federal OSHA because they have had a successful outreach campaign on heat illness. OSHA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (U.S. NOAA) recently joined together on weather service alerts adding worker safety precautions when the forecast calls for extreme heat temperatures.

Further information is available on OSHA's heat illness Website and U.S. NOAA Heat Watch Web page.