Preventing Heat-Related Workplace Injuries During Summer

The workplace contains its fair share of dangers, but did you know that some of them are seasonal? If you work outside in any capacity, you should absolutely consider the ways to prevent heat-related injuries as the summer months ramp up. 

After all, prevention is always better than experiencing an injury and having to seek workers’ compensation. 

At Injury and Health Urgent Care, we’re here to provide care and help, but also to educate. Melissa Kempf, MD, and Shannon Wait, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, want you to feel empowered to keep yourself safe and healthy while working in the summer. And in our hometown of San Antonio, Texas, we take the heat very seriously. 

The most common heat-related injuries at work

Anyone who needs to be outside during the workday for any reason should be aware of the risk of heat-related injuries. This includes both the construction worker who spends 14 hours a day outdoors and the teacher who may stand outside briefly during parent pickup. 

Some of the most common heat-related injuries include 

• Sunburn: can be mild to severe and may cause problems (like melanoma) later on 

• Heat cramps: characterized by muscle spasms and pain due to heat and dehydration

• Heat exhaustion: causes excessive sweating, pale skin, vomiting, and headache

• Heat stroke: recognizable by lack of sweating, rapid heartrate, dizziness, and fainting

These issues are ranked by severity, but all can become very serious if ignored. Also, having an experience like heat cramps, for example, can make you more prone to injury, such as falling or dropping a tool and harming yourself. Avoiding them is always the best option, and this can be done with a few simple at-work hacks. 

Preventing heat-related problems on the job

During the summer months, it can be easy to forget just how quickly the heat ramps up. These tips can help prevent heat-related problems: 

• Stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle, and ask to be provided with water at work.
• Take frequent breaks. You shouldn’t be in the sun for more than 30 minutes at a time.
• Ask that shade be provided if you can’t go inside for breaks.
• Make sure to wear lots of sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.
• Wear a hat when working in the sun, and choose looser clothing that breathes.
• Don light colors whenever possible.
• Use tools that lessen the physical labor required to do your job. 
• Make sure your coworkers can recognize the signs of heat illness and check each other.
• Plan your tasks so the least physically taxing ones can be done during the hotter hours.
• Talk to your manager about acclimatization, especially before things really heat up.

While at work, it’s important to advocate for yourself and your coworkers if you believe your situation is unsafe. Be sure to talk with management if you feel heat-related illness is a risk factor on the job. Make sure you document these requests for your records. 

So you experienced a heat related injury: What now? 

Unfortunately, all the preparation in the world sometimes isn’t enough. The first thing to do is to get out of the sun and into a cool place. If you’re exhibiting the symptoms of heat stroke, have someone call 9-1-1 immediately. The next thing you’ll need to do is see a medical provider. 

At our clinic, we can check you for heat-related illness and other injuries that may have occurred as a result of the heat. We can also provide you with urgent care, including rehydration, cooling, and assistance with blood circulation. Finally, we can help you determine if you’ll need legal help and documentation for workers’ compensation. 

Take care and stay cool

Prevention is always the best route, but we’re available if a workplace heat-related event requires a medical evaluation or professional care. Give us a call at our San Antonio, Texas, office or visit us online to make an appointment.