If your job keeps you outside during the winter, freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can cause you to experience serious physical injuries. Whether you work for a construction crew, repair plumbing, or collect refuse, cold-weather-related injuries may qualify you for workers compensation benefits. Here's what you should know about working outdoors during frigid conditions.
What Are Potential Cold Injuries?
Slip-and-fall accidents and cold-weather illnesses, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot, can happen outdoors. Symptoms include pain, loss of feeling, confusion or distress, and unconsciousness in the most serious cases.
Chilblains, which are sores caused by exposure to the cold, occur when blood vessels in the skin become inflamed. Signs of this painful condition include skin ulcers, itching, and swollen, burning red patches.
What Protection Should Your Employer Provide?
While the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) doesn't have specific cold-weather work standards, employers must ensure your working conditions aren't hazardous. Providing protective cold-weather clothing, such as gloves, hats, and footwear, is part of an employer's responsibility. Allowing for frequent warming breaks and providing training to recognize the signs and symptoms of illness and injury also come within the federal labor law's guidelines.
What Workers Compensation Benefits Can You Obtain?
Under Wisconsin's workers compensation law, benefits cover payment of bills for all medical, hospital, and surgical treatments relating to the injury. Coverage includes supplies and assistive devices, such as crutches, artificial limbs, and training in how to use them.
Payment for time lost from work and travel expenses related to treatment are also covered. Hiring an experienced workers compensation attorney gives you an advocate who will fight for you to receive all available benefits.
If you've experienced a cold-weather work injury, turn to Egan & Richgels, S.C., for legal advice. Serving Coulee Region, WI, these attorneys pursue each case with zeal, professionalism, and compassion. Their goal is to ensure you receive all the workers compensation benefits the law allows in your situation. You'll appreciate their honest and direct communication that keeps you informed about the case as it progresses. Find out more about their work injury practice online, or call (608) 784-0087 for a consultation.