Find Out Your Legal Rights
Heat is often overlooked as a possible source of danger in the workplace, but it can cause serious illnesses, injuries and even death. This is a common risk for those who work outdoors, such as in the construction industry. Especially in Texas, with its notoriously hot summers, employers must take steps to prevent heat related injuries and illnesses like heat stroke and exhaustion. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains guidelines for construction companies and other employers to minimize the risk of these injuries. However, some employers may ignore or overlook these requirements. Sometimes, the heat may worsen a worker’s pre-existing condition, even if the employer complies with OSHA regulations. In either case, you should be entitled to workers compensation benefits for these injuries.
Filing a workers comp claim in Texas is complicated, whether you are filing for a heat related illness or other work injury. Due to their complexity, only four law firms in central Texas handle these types of claims. The Law Offices of Aaron Allison is one of these firms. Workers compensation attorney Aaron Allison offers experienced, quality representation to those hurt on the job. He handles straight workers comp claims as well as non subscriber and third party claims.
Too much heat can cause a variety of illnesses and injuries for any worker. Typically, those who work outdoors performing physical labor are most at risk for dehydration, overheating and other complications. However, indoor workplaces may also become dangerously warm if cooling systems are not maintained or cannot offset the heat of industrial machinery.
The possible injuries and illnesses that may result from dangerous heat include:
OSHA maintains best practice guidelines for employers to prevent dangerous risks in the workplace. This includes taking precautions against heat related illnesses. According to OSHA, if your job involves exposure to high temperatures, your employer should:
Your employer is responsible for ensuring your workplace is safe from reasonable hazards, including the heat. However, if you sustain a heat related injury or illness, then you can usually collect benefits through a workers comp claim regardless of fault. This includes instances where heat exposure exacerbates a preexisting condition, causing additional injury.
Employers should not take the heat of Texas summers lightly, and should always follow OSHA regulations. If you suffered a heat related work injury or illness, you may be able to collect workers compensation benefits. However, the workers comp claims process is not easy. Just like the Texas heat, it can quickly become overwhelming.
Austin workers compensation attorney Aaron Allison can answer your questions, assist you with filing your claim and represent you in negotiations. He offers free initial consultations and contingency fee arrangements. Contact our central Texas law office today to schedule a meeting.
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“I looked at several attorney’s for my husband’s case, and Aaron looks like he was the best one. He was the best Worker’s Comp attorney in our area of Texas. So, we called and made an appointment for an initial visit. Once we talked to him we got that he knows his job. Plus he’s very nice and very personable. We could tell that right away.”
— Mrs. Mario Caballero, Austin, Texas