Workers in the cleaning industry complete jobs that others often take for granted. Janitors and custodians maintain a clean and sanitary environment in both private and public commercial spaces.
They are essential workers, and yet the risk of injury they face each day on the job is often overlooked.
Recent study highlights concerning risk of work injury for janitors
This most recent study was conducted in Washington. However, the findings are certainly not exclusive to one state.
According to Safety + Health Magazine, the study from Washington L&I found that one out of five janitors reported they suffered serious injuries on the job in the past year. This is a much higher ratio than workers reported in many other occupations.
Unfortunately, this risk is nothing new. Workers in the cleaning industry face high risks and suffer more injuries than many other workers in a wide range of private industry jobs.
Why is the risk so high?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that janitors face several risk factors daily at work, including:
- Overexertion and ergonomic issues
- Injuries from slips and falls
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals
On top of these risks, many janitors work the night shift. This can contribute to fatigue and burnout that can increase the risk of injuries.
Is compensation available?
Reporting injuries and recovering compensation can seem daunting for many injured workers in Maryland. Maryland law covers injured workers who are injured in the course of and arising out of employment, regardless of fault. The fact that a worker makes a mistake or has an oversight that leads to an accident or injury, does not inherently bar that individual from receiving coverage for that injury.
Employers and their Insurers are often quick to deny claims or neglect to explain to injured workers the real extent the law protects someone who is hurt on the job. It is often helpful to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney after suffering a work injury. That way, individuals can understand the options they have to move forward while they recover.
