Missouri Work Injuries Caused by Extreme Temperatures

By James Hoffmann  Oct. 29, 2015 8:49a

If your job requires you to work in extreme temperatures, you are more likely to suffer a work-related injury or illness.

If you suffer such a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to work compensation benefits. In some cases, your employer may try to convince you that such injuries do not qualify for workers’ comp. If you are facing a similar situation, consider talking to an experienced St. Louis work injury attorney to ensure that your legal rights are not violated.

Injuries or illnesses from contact with extremely hot or cold temperatures could be serious in nature and you should not delay in seeking medical attention for such injuries. For instance, if you work in an extremely hot environment, you may suffer from dehydration or muscle fatigue issues. This type of injury is more common in a workplace with high humidity levels. If you work in extremely cold temperatures, you may experience muscle weakness or lack of dexterity, blood flow, balance, or sensation.

High-Risk Workers

Certain workers are required to work in extremely high temperature conditions:

• foundry workers
• truck drivers
• construction workers
• bakery workers
• kitchen workers
• steel mill laborers
• workers involved in road repairs
• workers responsible for cleaning or sanitation
• agricultural workers
• grounds maintenance workers
• firefighters

Other workers are exposed to extremely cold temperatures as part of their job:

• cold storage and warehousing personnel
• security personnel
• fishermen
• drivers
• ice makers
• construction and building workers
• airport ground personnel
• cleaners and trash collectors
• ski resort personnel
• agricultural workers
• truck drivers
• packers

Illnesses Caused by Contact with Temperature Extremes

Workers who work in overheated environments may suffer the following illnesses:

• heat exhaustion - heavy sweating caused by overheating of the body
• heat stroke - symptoms include fever and unconsciousness
• weakness or fatigue - excessive heat may result in loss of strength or energy and fatigue
• heat cramps - muscle cramps resulting from working in an extremely hot environment
• heat rash - symptoms include itching and redness of the skin

Those who work in extremely hot environments may be prone to faintness, slips and falls, and other workplace accidents.

Workers who work in extremely cold conditions may suffer the following illnesses:

• loss of limbs
• fatigue
• frostbite in different body parts, such as toes, fingers, nose, cheeks, and ears
• breathing problems
• hypothermia due to rapid loss of energy
• reduced grip strength
• muscle cramps and strains
• lack of balance and dexterity

Missouri Work Accident Lawyer

If you suffer an injury or illness as a result of contact with extreme temperature at the workplace, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It is always a good idea to discuss your case with an experienced Missouri work accident lawyer so that you can get maximum compensation for your losses. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.