Workplace injury not uncommon among gutter cleaners
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Injuries on Wednesday, December 2, 2015.
Gutter cleaning companies in Illinois are particularly busy during the fall season. This is a hazardous occupation that poses a variety of safety risks due to fall hazards, chemical exposure, electrical shocks and any other workplace injury. Company owners are responsible for the safety of their workers, but sometimes, profits are chosen over worker safety.
A company in another state that happens be highly rated by the Better Business Bureau has been found to neglect workplace safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that the company has a record of safety violations dating back to 2013. The agency said inspections were carried out in May and again in October, at which times multiple similar safety violations were identified.
In addition to roofing and gutter cleaning, the company is apparently involved in several other activities. The May inspection followed a report about unprotected workers on a roof. OSHA inspectors found roof workers spraying harmful chemicals on a roof were exposed to fall hazards and facial and eye injuries because they worked without harnesses and respiratory protection. Furthermore, employees were also in danger of suffering electrical shocks.
While federal investigators work hard in trying to prevent any incidents of workplace injuries suffered due to unsafe work environments, there are simply not enough OSHA inspectors to keep all Illinois workers safe. In the unfortunate event of a workplace injury, a victim may pursue compensation through the workers’ compensation benefits program. In most cases, medical expenses and a portion of lost wages will be covered, and when appropriate, additional compensation may be offered to victims who suffered injuries that rendered them temporarily or permanently disabled.
Source: Verona-Cedar Grove, NJ Patch, “OSHA Violations: N.J. Gutter Cleaning Company Cited For Alleged Fall Hazards“, Eric Keifer, Nov. 30, 2015
