Workers’ Compensation for Heat-Related Work Injuries

Working in the heat is part of life in Alabama, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through heat-related illnesses and injuries without the help of your employer. If a heat-related illness occurs at work, you may be entitled to medical care and partial income replacement through the workers’ compensation system.

Learn more about your rights as an injured employee, and for more personalized help with your workers’ compensation claim, call Thiry & Caddell at 251-478-8880.

Your Rights Under Alabama Law

As an Alabama employee, you have certain rights under state and federal law. Among those, you’ll find that you are entitled to a safe workplace that it kept free of known hazards. Your employer cannot simply allow you to work in hazardous conditions without providing you the safety gear and breaks you need to protect yourself.

How does this specifically relate to heat injuries and illnesses? You must have access to clean drinking water whenever you need it, shaded break areas, frequent breaks in extreme heat, and training that will help you identify the signs of heat illness.

Alabama Workers’ Compensation

If you should become injured or ill while working, you can apply for workers’ compensation. The Workers’ Compensation Division of the Alabama Department of Labor oversees claims and medical care provided to injured employees. You can receive up to 66 2/3% of your weekly income, up to a maximum of $983 per week. Additionally, your employer or their workers’ comp insurance provider must pay for your medical bills associated with your illness or injury.

You also have obligations to fulfill. First, you must go through a primary care provider chosen by your employer or insurance carrier. From there, they may refer you to a specialist if necessary. You are responsible for attending all scheduled appointments and following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.

Types of Heat Illnesses and Injuries

There are several types of heat-related illnesses you may experience if you work in the Alabama heat. Treatment options vary, which is why it’s so important to be well-informed of the signs of each illness. The sooner you recognize that you are in danger, the more quickly you can take steps to protect yourself. Common diagnoses include:

• Heat cramps. Working in high temperatures for extended periods of time can be very draining on the muscles, leading to painful cramps and spasms. Heat cramps are generally mild but can cause significant pain. They’re a common sign that you need to slow down, take a break, get in the shade, and rehydrate.
• Heat exhaustion. If you ignore the early signs of heat illness, you may suffer heat exhaustion. This occurs when you spend substantial time in the heat. As you sweat, your body’s balance of water and electrolytes is skewed, putting you at risk of serious health issues. When noticed, heat exhaustion requires medical attention and substantial rest before the individual can safely return to work. Common signs of heat exhaustion include an unusually low or high heart rate, high body temperature, fatigue, muscle spasms, and rapid breathing.
• Heatstroke is the most serious heat illness, and it’s marked by a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher. If not treated immediately, a heatstroke victim may go into a coma or pass away. Signs include an extremely high heart rate, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
• Heat rash. This is a skin issue that often occurs after prolonged exposure to the sun. Your sweat can cause a rash on your skin and lead to irritation, particularly in folds like the elbows and knees.

What to Do After a Heat-Related Illness or Injury

If you suspect a heat-related illness, it is crucial to let your manager or supervisor know immediately. They can help you get to a safe place, rehydrate, and get the medical care you need. If your concerns are ignored or downplayed, get yourself to a safe area and seek immediate medical attention. From there, you can talk to your HR department or manager about filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Get Help with Your Claim—Contact Thiry & Caddell Now

Filing a workers’ comp claim isn’t always as easy as it should be. Unethical employers may suggest that your heat illness occurred because of a preexisting condition or circumstances outside their control. When this occurs, you need a lawyer who will go to bat for you. To set up a consultation now, call us at 251-478-8880 or get in touch with us online.