Scroll Top

New Jersey Heat Wave: What Every Worker Needs to Know

worker sweating and suffering in extreme heat

New Jersey Heat Wave

Extreme heat in Arizona and Texas? Okay, that makes sense.

Extreme heat in New Jersey? “Fuhgeddaboudit!”

Here we are in the midst of the first true heat wave of the year! Cities like Trenton, Newark, Jersey City and Elizabeth are all looking at record-high temperatures this week.

For the men and women having to work outside in this extreme heat, please be safe! As is the case with other job hazards and work-related injuries and accidents, workers have rights when it comes to the heat.

Attention New Jersey workers: Beware of the deadly risks of occupational heat exposure!

Excessive heat exposure can lead to a range of serious heat-related illnesses, from bothersome heat rash and heat cramps to worrisome heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. When a scorching heat wave hits New Jersey it becomes crucial to fully understand these dangers that can jeopardize your well-being.

Heat Stroke – The Most Lethal

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness you should be aware of. It occurs when your body loses its ability to control its own temperature. As a result, your body temperature rapidly rises, the sweating mechanism fails, and your body struggles to cool down. This condition may come on suddenly, catching you off guard, and signaling a crisis. When experiencing heat stroke, your skin will be hot, either dry or profusely sweaty. Your body temperature may soar to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and you may experience confusion, seizures, or even loss of consciousness. Immediate and proper treatment is crucial in order to prevent brain damage and potential fatality.

Heat Exhaustion – A Warning Sign

Heat exhaustion is not as severe as heat stroke, but it can rapidly progress to a more critical stage if not addressed promptly. This condition occurs when your body attempts to cope with excessive loss of water and salt, typically through excessive sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include headaches, nausea, heavy sweating, and elevated body temperature.

Heat Cramps – A Painful Consequence

Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat profusely during strenuous activities. Such excessive sweating depletes your body’s salt and moisture levels, leading to painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be an indication of heat exhaustion, so they should never be ignored.

Heat Rash – A Sticky Situation

Heat rash is a bothersome skin irritation that arises from excessive sweating in hot and humid weather conditions. It often appears as a cluster of red pimples or small blisters. Common areas affected by heat rash include the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and elbow creases.

Remember, staying informed and taking necessary precautions are paramount when it comes to your safety and well-being during extreme heat conditions. Stay alert, stay hydrated, and be proactive in protecting yourself from the risks of occupational heat exposure. Your health and safety matter above all else!

New Jersey workers – who is at risk in extreme heat?

Are you wondering who is most vulnerable to extreme heat in New Jersey? Well, all individuals who spend a significant part of their workday outside. Think of construction workers, baggage handlers, oil and gas operators, asbestos removal workers, electrical power transmission and control workers, landscaping and maintenance workers, and countless others enduring the scorching summers in New Jersey.

But who’s particularly at risk? It’s usually those new to working outdoors. That’s why it’s crucial for these individuals to slowly build up their workload and take more frequent breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses. Stay informed, stay safe!

New Jersey Heat Wave – How Hot is Too Hot?

The best measurement tool for New Jersey workers and their employers to use in monitoring the heat level is the Heat Index. The heat index, often labeled as the “feels like” temp on weather websites, combines temperature and relative humidity into one number that reflects how hot it will actually feel.

The following from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a good basic guideline:

Heat IndexRisk Level
Less than 91°FLower (Caution)
91°F to 103°FExtreme Caution
103°F to 115°FDanger
Greater than 115°Extreme Danger

IMPORTANT NOTE – The heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions. Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15° Fahrenheit.

ATTENTION NEW JERSEY WORKERS – Employers Must Protect Their Employees

Your well-being matters! Your employers must take action to protect you from the dangerous heat. Under OSHA law, it’s their responsibility to provide a workplace free from known safety hazards. Here’s how they can ensure your safety:

  1. Hydration, Rest, and Shade: Employers should supply you with plenty of water and designated rest areas to cool down in the shade.
  2. Gradual Workload Adjustment: If you’re a new or returning worker, your workload should increase gradually to help you adjust to the heat. Don’t hesitate to take more frequent breaks as needed.
  3. Emergency Preparedness: Employers must have a plan in place for emergencies and provide you with proper training on prevention measures.
  4. Health Monitoring: Your well-being matters! Employers should regularly monitor workers for signs of heat-related illness.

We want you to stay safe and healthy on the job. If your employers aren’t taking proper measures to protect you, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest OSHA office.

Remember, you have the right to a safe workplace. Let’s ensure your employers fulfill their legal obligation to keep you and your coworkers safe from the heat. Stay cool and stay safe!

Are your employers protecting you and your coworkers from heat-related illness? If not, you should contact the OSHA office nearest you.

If you have any questions on any of these laws, please contact your New Jersey Work Injury lawyers at Mintz & Geftic today.

New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers

Were you injured as an Uber driver, Uber passenger, Lyft driver or Lyft passenger? We understand the latest laws when it comes to ride-share companies. Call us today for a free consultation.

Did you suffer injuries in a car accident while you were working? Call us today at 908-352-2323. Do you prefer contacting our injury lawyers via email, then  please click here.

If you are a truck driver who was injured while working call us today at 908-352-2323.

If you prefer contacting our injury lawyers via email, please click here. Our injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Jersey. This includes the cities of Newark, Elizabeth, Union, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston and Jersey City. We cover Morris, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties. Our accident lawyers have offices in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Short Hills, New Jersey and in New York City.

We represent clients suffering with spinal cord injury, back injury, burn injury, broken bones and traumatic brain injury. 

If you are enduring physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, lost wages, medical expenses or any other hardship resulting from a truck accident, car accident or pedestrian accident please contact us today for a free consultation.

You can view some of our results here and check out reviews from our clients here.

Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html

https://www.wcf.com/heat-related-illness

0

Related Posts

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.
Translate »