Calls Answered 24/7 1-800-836-5830

Call Now to Learn the 3 Secrets of Maritime Law!

Call Now

Blog

Heat-Related Illness and Maritime Workers

Posted in General, Jones Act

Heat-Related Illness and Maritime Workers

Maritime and offshore workers are exposed to many severe weather conditions. During the hottest months of the year, these workers are at high risk of heat-related illness.

Our maritime and offshore injury lawyers want workers and employers to know how to recognize the signs of heat illnesses and what to do if someone is suffering from these symptoms.

Heat Exhaustion

Someone showing the following symptoms may be suffering from heat exhaustion:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Severe thirst
  • Rapid breathing and/or pulse
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Muscle cramps

If a worker exhibits any of these symptoms, immediately move him or her to a shaded area. A worker showing heat exhaustion symptoms should not be left alone. Heavy clothing should be removed. The worker should be given a cup of cool water to drink every 15 minutes. Fan the worker, spray him or her with cool water, and apply a wet cloth to the skin.

If symptoms do not improve within a few minutes, call 9-1-1. Any worker suffering from heat exhaustion should not return to work for the rest of the day.

Heat Stroke

If a worker exhibits the following symptoms, he or she may be suffering from heat stroke:

  • Not sweating
  • Skin is hot, red and/or dry
  • Pupils are small “pinpoints”
  • Convulsing
  • Confused
  • Collapse

These signs should be treated as a medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called right away. Move the worker to a cooler, shaded area. He or she should lay down and be fanned/sprayed with cool water. Place ice packs under the armpits and around the groin. Someone should remain with a person with heat stroke symptoms until paramedics arrive on the scene.

Prevent Heat-related Illness

In order to avoid the heat-related illnesses above, it’s important that both employers and employees understand what precautions to take.

  • Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, even when you’re not feeling thirsty
  • Hold off on the most intensive work until cooler parts of the day, such as first thing in the morning or late in the evening
  • Wear clothing that is light-weight and fits loosely
  • Wear a hat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before and during working hours
  • Pace yourself, and work on building up a tolerance to working in hot conditions
  • If you start to feel any of the symptoms above, immediately stop and tell your supervisor.

Workers who suffer from serious heat-related illness on a vessel, offshore rig, or in a port can contact the maritime injury attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P.for assistance and information about your legal rights.

Companies We Have Sued