In today’s economy where items can be purchased online and shipped to your door at will, warehousing is more important than ever. Warehouse workers, however, can be at risk. A warehouse could be home to many items in storage, or a temporary location of many items just passing through. Heavy machinery is often used to lift or move these items, creating the potential for an accident. Pennsylvania warehouse workers don’t wish to suffer any injuries, but mishaps occur. That said, taking appropriate steps to reduce the chances of warehouse accidents could benefit everyone.
Addressing warehouse mishaps
One issue that causes problems for preventing warehouse worker injuries is the sheer volume of ways people could get hurt. A vehicle could hit a worker, or someone may get sick from inhaling fumes. Slip-and-fall accidents and incidents involving falling objects might be unavoidable at times. Overhead lifting and bending for boxes on the ground are both common, and could cause shoulder, knee, and back injuries, among others. Generally, if the workplace has safety rules in place, some accident risks might decrease.
Employers should provide the proper training to keep workers aware of how to avoid mishaps. Making sure equipment is well-maintained and inspected helps as well. But whether training is provided or not, a work injury still entitles the injured worker to workers’ compensation benefits.
Soliciting feedback from workers may lead management to understand possible dangers better. Workers may point out problems with forklifts or other heavy equipment. They might suggest that more frequent breaks could cut down on fatigue-related accidents.
Injuries take place at warehouses
Even when everyone does their best to avoid harm, people might still get hurt. Thankfully, workers’ compensation laws offer a way to receive financial support when recovering from a work-related injury.
Not all workers’ compensation claims may receive approval initially, but denied claims can be appealed, and having a skilled lawyer can increase the injured worker’s chance for success. Work injuries, no matter how insignificant they seem at the time, should always be reported promptly.
A third party, such as a contractor, could cause an injury, and so might defective products. In such situations, the employee may be permitted to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in addition to a workers’ comp claim. If you or a loved one suffers a warehouse injury in Pennsylvania, consult with a certified specialist workers’ compensation attorney right away.