Chula Vista California Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Following the recent death of a postal worker in California, a health official reminded employees to provide frequent breaks for their employers to allow them to cool down when they work in soaring temperatures. Although it is not confirmed yet, authorities suspect the postal worker's death was heat-related. She died on a day when temperatures reached 117 degrees. Many workers' compensation claims are filed each summer by employees whose bosses do not prioritize their safety.

The health official urges workers to watch each other for telltale signs of heat exhaustion. He says profuse sweating drains the body of fluids, which must be replaced by regular drinks of fresh, cold water. Workers who do not need to go to the toilet at least once every four hours and those who stop sweating might be dehydrated. When that happens, the body loses its ability to cool itself down, and internal temperatures will continue to rise. It's important to get the individual to a cool, shady area and cooled down quickly; otherwise, it could be fatal.

If you dread going to work in California, it may not be because your work stresses you out and you hate your job. If your eyes start watering and/or you begin coughing or sneezing uncontrollably or your muscles start aching every time you hit the front door, you may work in a sick building. 

Believe it or not, the Environmental Protection Agency reports that some buildings actually are or can become sick. While your employer by law must provide you with a safe and healthy workplace, many buildings suffer from sickness due to one or more of the following problems:

• Poor ventilation
• Biological contamination
• Indoor chemical contamination
• Outdoor chemical contamination

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently warned firefighters in California and other states of the risk of developing a dangerous condition that is called rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo. It is caused by electrolytes and proteins that are released into the blood when damaged muscle tissues, caused by overexertion, are broken down by the process of rhabdo. Early diagnosis of rhabdo can set the ball rolling to obtain workers' compensation benefits.

Firefighters exert themselves by carrying heavy loads containing their turnout gear, tools and air packs while climbing stairs and ladders and navigating rugged terrain and rescuing victims. Exposure to excessive heat and prolonged exertion during overhaul tasks exacerbate the risks. Those who are also using dietary supplements, allergy medication, antibiotics or any other prescribed medications are even more vulnerable.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has opened an investigation into the recent death of a construction worker in Orange County. This incident involved a collapsed trench, which is one type of construction accident that leads to thousands of workers' compensation claims for benefits every year. The tragedy is that many workers lose their lives in these incidents that are entirely preventable.

Cal/OSHA prescribes strict safety regulations for trenches, one of which is never to allow heavy equipment to operate near excavations. A spokesperson for Orange County Fire Authority said backhoes were used for digging in the vicinity when the trench walls collapsed. There was no mention of the presence of a trench box or other measures to prevent a cave-in.