What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when a person’s body temperature rises above 104 degrees due to sun/heat exposure. A person suffering from heatstroke requires immediate medical care. Common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. If left untreated, heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs.
How do we prevent heatstroke?
Tips to prevent heatstroke include staying hydrated:
- Drink extra fluids: it’s generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Because heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
- If exercising or working outdoors: general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Can heatstroke be a Workers Compensation Claim?
Below, are examples of when a person might be able to make a workers’ compensation claim due to a heatstroke injury.
- Employees Without Climate Control
Employers are required to maintain safe working conditions for their employees. In non-climate control environments, this requires ensuring employees have sun protection, the ability to stay hydrated, and are able to get relief from the heat. Even when an employer makes every effort to prevent employees from suffering a heatstroke, if it happens on the job, the employee will likely be able to qualify for workers’ compensation. - Outdoor Activities and Events
Businesses and event organizers can also face liability to individuals that suffer heatstroke at their events or on their premises. Employers need to make sure that there are heat-relief areas that can help cool people down and help people hydrate.
Contact an Experienced Bellevue Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered heat stroke at work, you may be eligible for workers compensation. Contact our office today for a free consultation!
