Occupational health services for workers in the heat

Summer outdoor health hazards

This is the time of year when occupational health services are essential; because outdoor workers are exposed to various types of hazards that depend on their type of work, geographic region, and length of time that they are outside. Outdoor workers hold numerous occupations such as farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, mechanics; lot attendants or any worker who spends time outside. It is important that employers train outdoor workers about workplace hazards, and that they provide health services that will help workers to prevent and control their exposures.

Physical hazards of outdoor workers

Outdoor workers are constantly exposed to the elements that may include:

• extreme heat
• extreme cold
• lightning
• ultraviolet (UV) rays

Outdoor heat conditions can cause heat stroke, cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and other problems. Workers in extreme cold face threats from hypothermia and frostbite. Extended exposure to loud noise can cause gradual hearing loss, a change in hearing, or tinnitus. Lightning kills close to 100 workers in the United States each year, and leaves hundreds more with temporary or permanent injuries. It is well documented how UV radiation can cause problems such as sunburn and skin cancer.

Maintain a healthy workforce with Occupational Health Services

With more than 27years of experience and expert clinicians in occupational health, Medical Access is focused on helping keep your workforce healthy and productive. In addition, we provide services through our highly convenient, walk-in location in Germantown, MD. From drug screenings to wellness programs, Medical Access offers a wide range of occupational health services to support employers in maintaining a healthy, safe workforce, while reducing the costs of health care for your company and your employees.