Equipment sanitation is often associated with the health care industry and food manufacturing, but it is also critical for preventing injuries in the construction field in New Jersey and other states. The challenge for many construction workers is that although contaminated equipment may jeopardize their health and well-being, sanitation protocols are often lacking. Here is a look at how equipment sanitation protocols may reduce workers’ risk of injury.
A look at how unsanitary worksites might affect safety
Any facility or worksite can become unsanitary if workers fail to meet strict sanitation requirements. Unfortunately, the buildup of contaminants in equipment at a facility or worksite may seriously damage the machinery over time, drastically reducing the machinery’s life span. If pieces of equipment fail during operation due to such contaminant buildup, workers may be struck, crushed, lacerated, electrocuted or burned.
Workers may also fall or trip due to material hazards stemming from unsanitary worksite conditions. Slip-and-falls usually do not lead to death, but they are reported frequently. These types of accidents comprised nearly 20% of nonfatal worksite injuries across the country in 2020.
How a workers’ compensation attorney may help
Being injured on the job in New Jersey can have both financial and emotional consequences. This is why consulting a workers’ compensation attorney after suffering a workplace injury is wise. An attorney can help an injured worker file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits, which includes gathering and submitting documents such as medical reports to support the claim. The attorney can also help the worker file the appropriate motion if his or her claim is denied. The attorney’s chief aim will be to ensure that his or her client receives the full amount of benefits to which he or she is entitled given his or her injuries.