Sanitation injuries are more common than you may think. In the United States, sanitation work is the seventh most dangerous industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thousands of sanitation workers are hurt every year with injuries ranging from mild to fatal. Weather conditions, as well as other factors, can contribute to these injuries.
Common Issues Sanitation Workers Face
Sanitation work requires constant awareness. Workers are consistently exposed to hazards and dangers that include:
- Lacerations and Punctures: Sanitation workers are at risk of lacerations and punctures from improperly disposed needles, glass, and metal pieces.
- Chemical Exposure: Hazardous chemicals are not always disposed in the appropriate way. When this happens, sanitation workers are put at risk of exposure.
- Slip and Falls: Icy grounds, potholes, and broken sidewalks may cause a sanitation worker to fall and injure themselves.
- Car Accidents: Sanitation workers are at risk of being hit by a car while collecting trash.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries may develop from repeating the same tasks daily.
Preventing Sanitation Work Injuries
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe working environment for employees. They are also responsible for implementing safe working procedures and providing protective equipment to employees. To keep individuals safe, employers can:
- Provide thorough training to workers that include how to properly use equipment and chemical cleaning agents.
- Maintain equipment and make sure it is in proper working order.
- Equip trucks with back-up sensors and cameras.
Is Workers’ Compensation Available for Sanitation Workers Injured on the Job?
Sanitation Workers have options when injured on the job. Depending on the state where the individual lives, workers’ compensation may be available. However, compensation may be available in different forms based on the circumstances. Workers’ compensation may provide benefits for lost wages, reimbursement for medical care, and compensation for dependents of a worker killed on the job.
Tips for Sanitation Workers
The American National Standards Institute provides safety standards for sanitation workers that include:
- Riding only in the vehicle cab or on steps that are specifically designed for riding.
- Remaining inside the vehicle cab until the vehicle is completely stopped.
- Ensuring individuals are not riding on vehicle steps when the vehicle is backing up or traveling over 10 mph.
- Ensuring that no one rides on the vehicle’s loading sills.
West Chester Work Injury Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Represent Victims Injured on the Job
If you or someone you know was injured on the job, you have options. The West Chester work injury lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello represent victims injured at work. Our lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation and peace of mind you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (610) 892-4940. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients throughout Delaware County, Media, and West Chester.
