The Heat Illness Prevention bill would enhance Florida Workers’ Compensation protections by adding a new standard in place for protecting outdoor employees from weather exposure related injuries. It would require that Florida’s construction and agriculture employers provide their workers with training on how to avoid problems related to the hot Florida sun and extreme humidity. The potential law would mandate that these employees be provided with ample access to shade, plenty of water, along with 10-minute breaks for every two hours of working outside in the elements. Farm, migrant and or seasonal employees are often referred to as invisible since they are typically unseen and unheard while doing their jobs in the fields. Some legislators therefore want to ensure that these people aren’t forgotten so they can be protected in the work place under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act just like other Florida workers are.
Unfortunately, there are only a few states that require employers and workers to be trained in order to prevent heat-related illnesses. The new Florida Workers’ Compensation bill was therefore created based upon several studies that discusses the dangers of strenuous labor in the heat and humidity of the Sunshine State. At the University of Florida, researchers monitored outdoor workers in many different farming communities including those located in Belle Glade, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Myers, Margate, Naples, Okeechobee, Pahokee and Pompano Beach, Florida. The study found that almost half of them started the day dehydrated. In fact, nearly all had dangerous body temperatures by the end of the work day. Moreover, the United States Labor Department’s Office for Safety and Health Administration and O.S.H.A. recommend taking precautions if the heat index is 91 degrees or higher.
Heat Illness Prevention
Heat related workplace injuries in Florida are common and may therefore entitle a worker to medical and or lost wage benefits under the Florida Worker’s Compensation system. If you or someone that you know has suffered from this type of illness, contact Coral Springs Workers’ Compensation lawyer Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq. at the Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A. right away. Evan and his tri-lingual legal team have more than 25 years of experience and offers a no obligation case evaluation. Furthermore, unless there is a recovery or court award, there are no attorney’s fees and/or costs due. To find out more, contact the Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A. at (866) I SUE YOU, (866) 478-3968, (954) 227-7529 or [email protected]. Evan M. Ostfeld, Esq. is an aggressive Coral Springs Workers’ Compensation attorney who can make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the proper Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits available under the law!
