The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is calling attention to the many dangers present in landscape work. The federal agency is aiming these efforts specifically at Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. In these states alone, the agency reports 64 work related deaths between 2012 and 2016.
The issue is so concerning that OSHA is taking steps to “stem the tide.” The main step is moving forward with a safety initiative called the Safety Stand-Down.
What is the Safety Stand-Down? The crux of the efforts for this safety initiative involves a call for a one-hour Safety Stand-Down. The Stand-Down is used as an opportunity for employers to stop work and conduct safety training for their employees.
What kinds of injuries are common amongst landscapers? Landscapers can face a wide variety of dangers during the completion of a project. OSHA has specific regulations for this line of work that are designed to help reduce the risk of injury. Those who work in this profession can take on jobs that include everything from shrub and lawn planting to arborist services that include tree trimming high above the ground in areas that may come in contact with electrical lines.
Even landscapers that are not cutting large tree branches can find themselves working at heights to trim a large shrub or smaller tree. As such, it is not surprising that injuries resulting from falls are one of the more common dangers landscapers face.
Other common injuries include getting crushed or hit by other objects as well as the potential for danger while working with electrical hazards.
What if I am injured while on-the-job? Those who are injured while working have a few legal options. One option is to seek benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. These benefits are designed to help provide income to the injured worker promptly. Unfortunately, this system does not always work as it should.
A second option involves a third party claim. This claim will hold the guilty party accountable and can result in monetary awards that include compensation for pain and suffering.
Determining the right course of action can be difficult. In these situations it is wise for the injured party to seek legal counsel. An experienced work injury attorney can review the details of your on-the-job accident. Your lawyer can guide you through the process, working to better ensure a more favorable outcome.
