November 23, 2014
Winter is here! While this will mean planning for the holidays for the majority of people, for people who work outdoors in cold locales, this means preparing for the risks of cold-related injuries. Being prepared to work outdoors in the cold and knowing the signs of cold-related injuries can be pivotal to preventing life-threatening complications and saving lives.
In this three-part blog series, we will present some general facts about cold-related injuries and then take a closer look at the symptoms and potential complications of two cold-related injuries – frostbite and hypothermia.
In the event, however, you are an outdoor worker who sustains cold-related injuries this winter – or you are any worker who has suffered a workplace injury, Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Jennifer Bisset is here for you, ready to help you figure out your best options for potential financial recovery.
General Facts about Cold-Related Injuries
- The primary cold-related injuries are chilblains, frostnip, trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. Of these, hypothermia is the most severe condition.
- Loss of sensation and changes in skin color as common signs of various cold-related injuries; however, the skin does not have to freeze in order for cold-related injuries to arise.
- In general, treating cold-related injuries involves moving the impacted people into a warm, dry environment to try to bring their body temperatures up. When more severe complications develop, however, cold-related injuries will require more complicated and invasive medical intervention.
- People who typically have the highest risk of sustaining cold-related injuries while working outdoors include people who are older (than about 60 years old), who are smokers and/or who are alcoholics. These people are also far more likely to develop life-threatening complications due to cold-related injuries.
- The best way to prevent cold-related injuries when working outdoors is to dress appropriately, which includes wearing waterproof boots, at least a few layers of clothing, a hat, gloves and possibly a facemask. Bringing an extra pair of clothing is also a good idea because outdoor workers in cold weather locales never know when they may get caught in snowfall, get wet and need to get into dry clothing to avoid developing serious cold-related injuries.
We will resume this discussion regarding what outdoor workers should know about cold-related injuries a few upcoming installments of this blog series, so be sure to check them out!
Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Bisset Law Firm
Have you developed cold-related injuries or any type of workplace injury? If so, Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorney Jennifer Bisset wants you to know that she is here to aggressively advocate your rights and help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.
In addition to being diligent and dedicated, Attorney Jennifer Bisset is upfront and honest. She will keep you informed of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the choices and possibilities that you have as you move through the process, and whether it makes sense to settle your case or go to trial.
Contact Us Today
You can contact Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Jennifer Bisset by calling (303) 894-8900to learn more about your rights and receive a professional evaluation of your case. You can also email her using the contact form at the top of this page.