How Hot Summer Temps Increase the Risk of On-the-Job Injuries in Florida
South Florida summers are punishing. For Fort Lauderdale workers who spend long shifts outdoors on construction sites, loading docks, or road crews, the heat can cause impairments that make on-the-job injuries more likely to happen. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains the risks and the common reasons insurers often challenge these claims.
Fort Lauderdale Workplace Accidents More Likely To Happen in High Heat
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that workers are more likely to make mistakes on job sites and suffer serious injuries when working in extreme heat. In Florida, outdoor and physically demanding industries face this risk for many months at a time.
Under Section 440.09 of the Florida Statutes, workers are entitled to benefits for any injury that arises out of and in the course of employment, including those triggered or worsened by heat-related impairments. Common ways on-the-job accidents in Fort Lauderdale happen during the hot summer months include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and elevated surfaces due to heat-related dizziness, fatigue, or blurred vision.
- Vehicle and equipment accidents caused by slower reaction times and reduced concentration due to prolonged heat exposure.
- Struck-by incidents occur when workers lose grip on tools or materials due to excessive sweating and weakened hand strength.
- Overexertion injuries from pushing through physical tasks that the body can no longer safely perform in extreme temperatures.
- Errors with power tools and machinery can occur when heat-induced mental fatigue causes a lapse in focus at a critical moment.
When high temperatures cause on-the-job injuries in South Florida, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your medical care and other costs.
Common Challenges in a South Florida Heat-Related Workers’ Comp Claim
Workers suffer a high rate of on-the-job injuries in South Florida during the summer months. Unfortunately, while workers’ compensation can help cover your costs, filing a claim is rarely easy. Common challenges workers face include:
- Insurers may try to deny or dispute the claim, attributing your injuries to underlying health conditions or lack of physical fitness.
- Employers may claim that adequate water, shade, and rest breaks were available, even when workers report otherwise.
- Delayed reporting gives insurers grounds to question whether your injuries actually occurred at work.
- Gaps in medical records that fail to note the heat exposure as a contributing factor.
Keep in mind that benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation generally cover on-the-job injuries, regardless of who was to blame. However, when negligence on the part of others is involved, you may also be entitled to compensation in a third-party claim.
Consult an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The summer heat increases the risks of on-the-job injuries in Fort Lauderdale. To get the benefits you are entitled to in a claim, contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer helps clients build a strong case and make the maximum recovery. Request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office today.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.09.html