Utility workers provide an important role in society by ensuring households and companies have electricity, gas, and water. Although vital to our day to day functioning, these workers tend to be overlooked by the general public and even discriminated against for being blue collar workers. Sadly, it is this inattention that makes these workers more at risk for injuries.
When a worker suffers from an injury, they may have the ability to recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a utility worker who has been injured on the job, call a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer, like a NY workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Potential Hazards in the Utility Industry
There are many hazards faced by utility workers throughout the U.S. Electrical workers, for example, have very dangerous jobs. They risk electrocution or shock every time they install, update, or repair electricity lines. They are also at risk for falling from poles or work baskets.
Gas company employees face constant danger of being exposed to harmful gases or explosions. Water workers also face imminent dangers of slip and falls, falling objects, and more. As dangerous as these things might be, they are actually not the most common. A workers’ compensation lawyer knows that most cases involve at least one of the following:
Slipping, Tripping, or Falling
Utility workers are rarely in one place on any given day. They may visit a homeowners house, a power station, and then a roadside curb in a single workday. These areas can present various hazards, such as:
- Falling into a hole
- Tripping on an object
- Sleeping on uneven terrain
- Slipping on ice during the winter
An incident such as the aforementioned, or otherwise, can result in broken bones, internal bleeding, muscle strains, or head injuries.
Vehicular Accident
As mentioned, utility workers are required to drive to various job sites every day. The risk of being involved in an accident, despite driving in a vehicle that is considered to be highly visible, can put them at risk. Furthermore, workers working on the road face an increased risk of being hit by another driver.
Ladder Falls
Utility workers often use ladders. While the equipment they are using should be safe and the workers should be trained to use it, falls can happen. Even a fall from a 5 or 6 foot ladder could cause bad injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Utility workers often engage in repetitive movements that could strain the body’s tissue and cause injury to cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Lifting, twisting, working overhead, bending, heat and cold temperature, and so forth can be contributors to long term soft tissue damage. Sometimes, workers are completely prevented from remaining in their occupation.
If you were injured, it may be possible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. While you can do this on your own, it is not recommended to do so, especially if your case is anything but atypical or standard. If you are unsure whether or not you need a lawyer, call a workers’ compensation lawyer for a case review.
Thanks to Polsky, Shouldice, & Rosen, P.C. for their insight into potential hazards that utility workers might face.