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Working Outside in the Texas Heat Can Be Dangerous
The Texas heat can be unbearable, especially if your job requires you to be outside all day long. Even though summer is coming to a close, the temperature will remain high in many parts of Texas. It is important for outdoor workers to take extra care to avoid injuries such as heat exhaustion and fatigue. Not only can these things make it difficult to get your job done, but they can also make you susceptible to workplace errors and, in turn, injuries.
Employers must take the appropriate steps to protect their outdoor workers from heat illness and other possible complications from the sweltering sun. When they fail to do so, and it leads to injury – or worse – they may be held accountable for their actions. If the proper steps are taken, avoiding heat illness and keeping outdoor workers safe is relatively straightforward. It is when these rules and regulations are not followed that problems can arise. Today we are going to look at some of the hazards faced when working outside, as well as ways to prevent them from causing harm. If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Texas, please contact our Dallas personal injury law firm and schedule a free consultation.
Potential Dangers of Working Outdoors in Texas
The following are some of the most common hazards posed to those that work outside:
- Heat-related dangers – This is an umbrella term for heat-related conditions, such as heat stress, heat stroke, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.
- Too much sun exposure – This is something that all workers should be aware of but in particular fair-skinned workers. Even if it is cloudy, outdoor workers may be at risk of sun exposure.
- Bio-hazards – This is one that many people do not think about, but that can cause serious harm to outdoor workers. Some of the most common biohazards that could be dangerous include poison ivy, poisonous spiders and snakes, and insects or rodents carrying infectious diseases.
How to Prevent Workplace Accidents in Texas
Heat can be deceiving. As we’ve seen with the tragic incidents of children being left in hot cars, simply looking at the temperature isn’t enough when it comes to staying out of harm’s way. Here is a brief look at the heat index to help you understand the proper protective measures:
- Lower than 91 degrees F – The risk of danger is relatively low, but basic heat safety precautions should be taken
- 91 to 103 degrees F – The risk of heat stress is moderate. Workers and employers alike should be aware and take extra precautions
- 103 to 114 degrees F – The risk of danger is high, and additional measures should be taken to protect workers
- More than 115 degrees F – The risk of problems due to the heat is very high or extreme.
From wearing proper clothing to taking numerous breaks throughout the day when the temperatures are high, there are many small things you can do to stay safe while working outside. If you or a loved one has suffered heat exhaustion or another injury because proper safety precautions were ignored, please contact Rad Law Firm today. Our Dallas workplace accident lawyers will sit down with you and determine if you have a case. We have your best interests in mind and will do everything we can to ensure justice is served.
