Extreme Heat Conditions Are Driving a Rise in Workplace Injury Claims
July 2025 - Lancaster PA - As summer temperatures climb across the country, so do the risks for outdoor workers. Safety experts and federal agencies, including OSHA, warn that heat-related illnesses are becoming more common and more dangerous, especially in industries where air conditioning isn’t an option.
A recent analysis by the National Council on Compensation Insurance suggests workers’ compensation claims tied to heat stress could spike significantly in the coming years.
Pennsylvania isn’t immune to the trend. With hotter summers and longer heatwaves becoming the norm, workers in construction, delivery, warehousing, and agriculture face growing exposure.
For many, these conditions create serious health risks on the job—and a real need for legal support when employers don’t act responsibly.
Rankin & Gregory, LLC (RG Injury Law) is a dedicated resource for Pennsylvania Workers. Our top Lancaster Workers' Comp Attorney consistently achieves successful claims in PA courts.
Employers May Be Liable When Workers Suffer Heat-Related Illnesses on the Job
Under both OSHA guidance and Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law, employers must take steps to protect employees from known hazards—including extreme heat.
That means providing cool water, regular rest breaks, shaded areas, and reasonable shift adjustments during high-heat conditions. When those steps are skipped or ignored, workers can suffer dehydration, dizziness, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
In Pennsylvania, employees who become ill due to unsafe heat exposure may qualify for wage loss and medical benefits. But many workers don’t realize that heat-related conditions—even those that develop over time—can lead to compensable claims.
This often includes landscaping crews, roofers, highway workers, and warehouse employees working without proper ventilation.
Many Heat Illness Cases Go Unreported or Denied Without Legal Help
Most workers don’t realize they can file a claim for heat-related illness. They push through symptoms, miss the window to report it, or assume it's not covered.
Employers often take advantage of that. They might argue your condition wasn’t caused by the job—or that you were already sick. Without quick reporting and clear documentation, your claim can fall apart fast.
At RG Injury Law, we help workers connect the dots early, gather medical proof, and avoid delays that could cost them benefits.
RG Injury Law Encourages Affected Workers to Seek Immediate Legal Guidance
Heat-related claims can be hard to prove without support. We help clients record the details, explain symptoms to doctors, and complete accurate claim forms from day one.
Our team has handled denied claims where employers refused to take heat exposure seriously. We step in when adjusters stall, employers blame other causes, or symptoms don’t show up right away.
Acting early gives your claim the best shot at approval. If you’re unsure what to do, we’re ready to walk you through it.
Workers Who Experience Heat Illness Symptoms Should Act Quickly
If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms after working in high heat, you may have a valid claim:
- Headaches or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heat exhaustion
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fainting
- Heat stroke
Report your symptoms to your supervisor as soon as possible. Get medical care the same day if you can. Keep a copy of every form and medical note. Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation claims require careful attention to detail. Look out for yourself, and if you need help, you know who to call!
Trust RG Injury Law. We’ll review what happened and explain what comes next. Waiting too long could hurt your claim—and your health.
