Filing a Workers Compensation Claim for Heat Stroke

Many workers have to spend a large part of their workday outdoors irrespective of the weather and temperature conditions outside.

These workers include:

• Construction workers
• Landscapers
• Surveyors
• Factory Workers
• and others

These workers spend a lot of time in extreme heat and are obviously at a higher risk of heat-related injuries especially during the peak of summers. Workers who suffer heat stroke or other heat-related illness at workplace may be entitled to benefits under the Missouri workers compensation system.

Symptoms of Heat Stress

Rash

Due to excessive sweating, a worker may get a red, itchy rash on the neck, chest, arms, or shoulders. These rashes can take many forms and range from tiny red bumps to large and painful blisters.

Cramps

Too much sweating and dehydration often causes cramps. This often occurs when the workers do not consume sufficient liquids and the fluids and salt are not replenished. In absence of adequate fluids in the body, the back, legs, stomach and arms may cramp and lead to painful spasms.

Drowsiness or Fainting

When the worker becomes dehydrates or stands up suddenly too fast, he/she can suffer from dizziness, light headedness, or may faint. This is often known as heat syncope. It is a serious condition and should be treated immediately or it can lead to serious complications.

Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is particularly common among workers that are above 65 years of age or suffer from hypertension. A worker suffering from heat exhaustion may experience the following symptoms:

• heavy sweating
• fatigue
• dizziness
• nausea
• labored breathing
• clammy skin
• pale or flushed complexion.
• muscle cramps

Heat Stroke

It is the most serious type of heat stress and the worker gets heat stroke when his/her body is no longer able to regulate temperature. The body temperature can shoot up to 106 in a matter of minutes. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can cause permanent disability and even death. Common symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Heavy sweating
• Hot and dry skin
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• High fever and chills

If a Missouri worker experiences any of the aforementioned symptoms, they should immediately report it to the employer or supervisor and seek medical attention. It is also the responsibility of employers to take all safety and precautionary measures to prevent injury and illness among workers. Workers should be trained properly on the prevention of heat-related injuries.

Work Related Injuries