It is time to get outside and clean up after the winter. Business owners often require employees to do so. Whether the process involves checking out the roof or simply cleaning up the landscaping, these tasks can be dangerous in some situations.
If you are hurt on the job, having an attorney available to help you can be critical. At Ara Work Injury Law, we often see individuals suffer serious workplace injuries during the spring months.
Consider a few spring workplace safety tips that can help you ensure that no matter what is on your to-do list, you have the best ability to complete it safely.
Why Spring Brings Increased Risk for Certain Work Injuries
During the spring months, weather conditions improve for outside projects to get underway. In many situations, this leads to the onset of tasks that are more likely to cause injuries. Some examples include construction work, landscape cleaning, and outdoor tasks you may not do otherwise. Any type of seasonal work, such as that involving power tools or specific equipment not used for other tasks, can increase the risk of injuries.
Weather conditions in Florida also become very dangerous. There will be very hot days, and humidity levels will begin to soar. This makes it more likely that workers will struggle under the intense heat or unsafe conditions without proper care and attention to their physical needs.
Florida is known for rainstorms during this time of the year. As a result, conditions are not always easy to manage. Muddy and otherwise slippery conditions make any type of work outdoors more dangerous.
Top Workplace Hazards in the Spring
Some of the most common work injuries in spring include:
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration: These symptoms stem from the area’s increasing temperature and a lack of proper hydration during outdoor work days.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Another common risk occurs when conditions are less safe. Slipping, tripping, and falling can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, and head trauma.
- Ladder and roof injuries: Any type of ladder work can be dangerous, especially if the wrong safety harnessing is used to protect workers. If you are doing spring cleaning or maintenance on a ladder without proper safety and preparation, the risk of a serious fall causing damage to your head or back is quite high.
- Insect bites and allergies: It is not uncommon for workers to experience the rough part of spring, infestations of new insects, and pollen. Both can become irritating, but they can also significantly impact a person’s health.
- Equipment-related injuries: As noted, you may be using equipment that is unfamiliar to you, or that may have sat around for some time without being maintained. Construction equipment is also rolling out now, which means there is more risk of injuries from using these tools.
If you are untrained or unsure how to complete a new task, make sure you take the time to get the help you need. Any of these injuries can create long-term complications to your health and well-being.
Safety Tips for Florida Workers
Avoiding outdoor job injuries in Florida often means being proactive. While your employer is responsible for providing you with a safe place to work, you also have to consider what you can do to remain safe. Here are some tips to help you:
- Stay hydrated: Take breaks as needed and drink water. This can help you avoid some of the most common preventable injuries and illnesses on the job.
- Protect yourself: Always use proper footwear for the type of task you are doing. For example, you may need footwear that can properly handle slippery surfaces with a better grip on the bottom. The same applies to other safety gear. If you should be wearing harnesses or other safety gear, do so to the fullest of your abilities.
- Be cautious: Recognize that conditions are a bit different during the spring months. Take steps to be cautious when entering an area for the first time this year, especially on wet surfaces or the roof. When using ladders, ensure you are following all safety standards to do so. Have someone with you as well.
- Protect from the sun: Wearing hats and protective eyewear helps minimize the risk of sun damage. Always wear sunscreen. Protective clothing that eliminates sunburn should still be lightweight and easy to move in.
- Follow protocols: Even if you could do something faster without following the rules, do not do so. Follow all safety protocols your employer puts in place.
Employer Responsibilities Under the Law
No matter what type of work you are doing, your employer has specific responsibilities to you as their worker. That includes ensuring the place you are working has all of the necessary tools and resources to keep you safe on the job. They must provide a safe workplace and take all steps possible to minimize risk. That includes providing proper gear and training.
Employers are also responsible for the equipment. They need to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid injury. They must also ensure that if there is a risk of damage, such as from a weather event, the area is safe before sending you out there.
Employers in Florida must also carry workers’ compensation insurance. This policy covers your medical losses and some of your lost wages if you are hurt on the job.
What to Do If You Are Injured At Work This Spring
Whether you are doing outdoor jobs this spring or otherwise exposed to a hazardous situation, make sure you know what to do. Report the injury right away and get medical care. Then, file a workers’ compensation claim. Our Florida work injury attorney can help you with that process.
How Ara Work Injury Law Can Help
Get The Ara Difference: By providing you with experienced legal guidance, we can help you with your workers’ compensation claim, including managing denials, appeals, and disputes. Contact us now for a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we win your case. Call us at 561.934.3272 | 561.9343.ARA if you’ve been injured in a Florida work-related accident. Se Habla Español.
The Injured Worker’s Advocate™
