When summer temperatures climb into the triple digits, outdoor workers face more than discomfort. Climate-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke have become urgent safety concerns for roofers, landscapers, agricultural laborers, and construction crews alike. In this rising heat, both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage are essential to keep businesses protected and workers safe.
At
Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we understand how climate-related risks shape liability exposures in outdoor industries. Business owners in these industries must be proactive about mitigating risks—and prepared with the right insurance coverage when health and safety are compromised on the job. Let’s take a look.
The Real Threat: Heat Illnesses in Outdoor Work
Extreme heat poses serious health risks for outdoor workers, far beyond simple discomfort. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration—each posing significant dangers. OSHA reports thousands of occupational heat-related illnesses each year, with outdoor workers facing the greatest exposure.
Common conditions include:
Heat exhaustion, leading to dizziness, nausea, and confusion
Heat stroke, a medical emergency that can cause organ failure
Dehydration, which affects physical performance and cognitive function
It’s the employer’s responsibility to reduce the risk of work-related injury through proper hydration, training, shaded breaks, and safe scheduling. But even when every precaution is followed, some incidents will still occur. That’s where insurance matters most.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
When a worker suffers a heat-related illness on the job, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation. If an injury or illness is directly related to working conditions, it’s likely eligible for a workers’ comp claim under your policy.
Workers’ comp benefits generally include:
Medical bills, from emergency treatment to follow-ups
Wage replacement, for time spent recovering
Rehabilitation, including physical therapy or specialist care
Disability benefits, if the injury leads to long-term impairment
Death benefits, in rare fatal cases
Does Heat Exhaustion Fall Under Workers' Comp?
Yes—if it’s a result of job duties or working conditions, heat exhaustion is usually a valid claim. Employers should document working environments carefully and respond promptly to any reported symptoms. Training workers to recognize early warning signs is one of the best ways to prevent escalation and protect the team.
A robust workers' compensation policy makes the process of receiving benefits, getting care, and making a recovery smoother for both the employee and the business.
Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering?
No. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide financial relief for injured workers in terms of tangible costs, like medical care and lost wages, until they can return to work. But it doesn’t cover emotional distress, discomfort, or other non-economic damages.
The Role of Liability Insurance
Workers' compensation protects employees. Liability coverage protects the business when others are affected. For instance, if a third-party vendor or site visitor suffers a heat-related incident on your property or jobsite, your company could face legal or medical claims.
General liability insurance can help cover:
Bodily injury claims from non-employees
Legal defense costs and settlements
Medical expenses for those injured due to company negligence
In industries that operate outdoors or around heat-generating equipment, liability exposure rises with the temperature. A combined insurance strategy helps address both employee-focused and third-party risks.
Tailored Coverage from Pepper, Johnstone & Company
Outdoor work comes with exposure to unpredictable variables, including extreme weather. At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we help construction firms, landscapers, agricultural clients, metalworkers, and more secure protection that meets their specific risk profile. Our consultative approach allows us to build custom insurance strategies based on your real working conditions.
When you’re ready to review how your liability insurance holds up in the face of climate-related claims, we’re ready to help.
Don’t Wait for the Heat to Strike—Contact Our Team Today
Take action before the next heat wave hits. Call Pepper, Johnstone & Company at
866-381-5821 or
request a quote online. Our team will help you navigate the risks of outdoor work and build a policy that protects both your people and your business.