Outdoor workers should know the signs of heat illnesses, including heat rash and heat exhaustion, so they know when to seek treatment to prevent more serious complications.

With summer in full swing and temperatures across the nation only likely to get warmer before getting cooler, it’s important for those who work outdoors to know the signs of heat illnesses – including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – so they know when to seek treatment to prevent more serious complications from arising. In the worst cases, heat illnesses can lead to life-threatening complications without the proper treatment. While those who regularly work outdoors, such as landscaping employees, road repair workers, lifeguards and construction workers, have a high risk of developing heat illnesses in the summer months, so too do individuals who are required to wear heavy clothing and/or protective equipment while working outside.

Heat Rash Symptoms

Heat rash is a skin condition that typically develops on areas of the body that are covered by clothing and, as a result, have blocked sweat ducts. Some of the symptoms of heat rash include:

• Itchiness
• Small dots or pimples on the affected area of the body (most typically the head, neck and shoulders)
• Skin infections, which can develop if heat rash is left untreated.

Although heat rash is a heat illness that does not necessarily require medical attention, individual who have persistent heat rash (i.e., a heat rash that lasts for more than 4 days) and/or who begin to develop a fever should see their doctors to prevent more serious complications from arising.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Heat exhausting is a condition in which an individual suffers from severe dehydration due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. While heat exhaustion can arise due to an individual not drinking enough water when working in hot temperatures, it can also arise due to that individual having depleted levels of salt in his system. Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Dizziness, confusion and/or fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Increased heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea

Although heat exhaustion is not as severe of a heat-related illness as heat stroke, without the proper treatment (including rest, drinking fluids, getting out of the heat and taking cold showers), heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. As a result, if these treatments do not help heat exhaustion to subside within about 30 minutes, affected workers should seek immediate medical attention.

Colorado Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you have sustained a heat-related illness or workplace injury and are considering (or in the process of) filing a workers compensation claim, it’s essential that you contact the Colorado workers compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.