Workers’ Comp For Injured Professional Cleaners

When a professional cleaner is doing a good job, you don't even think about their presence. Many of us just take it for granted when our homes and workplaces remain clean every week. These individuals consistently work behind the scenes to keep our environments free of hazards.

Unfortunately, many janitors and cleaners are regularly exposed to various hazards on the job. These dangers can result in serious injuries and health problems. It's important for managers to develop detailed safety plans in order to reduce risk as much as possible.

About Workers' Comp

When a janitor or cleaner is injured, they are often forced to miss work. Depending on the severity of their injuries, they could also rack up some hefty medical bills. These workers require compensation to keep up with their everyday expenses and to account for the new medical expenses.

In Pennsylvania, cleaners and virtually all other workers are protected by Workers' Comp statutes. When a worker becomes injured on the job, he or she is eligible for compensation for medical bills and a portion of lost wages.

It doesn't matter how the accident happened because this is a no-fault insurance policy. Workers automatically receive coverage, as long as they meet certain requirements. And employers are immune from facing lawsuits from injured employees, even if owner negligence contributed to the injury.

Common Hazards and Injuries

Cleaning professionals are exposed to a variety of workplace hazards while completing their daily tasks. Any injury or illness which results from work-related causes qualifies for Workers' Compensation. Vicky Adams of Impact Products, a leader in the cleaning supplies industry, identifies five main hazard categories:

Biological

There are a few different forms of biological cleaning hazards. Workers may be exposed to these through inhalation, skin absorption, and incidental ingestion. Specific hazards include:

• Mold
• Viruses and bacteria
• Fungi

Chemical

Cleaning staff may be exposed to harmful chemicals present in cleaning products as well as chemicals generated by the cleaning process. Like the biological hazards, exposure can happen through inhalation, skin contact, and incidental ingestion. Examples include:

• Acids in chemical cleaning products such as toilet cleaners
• Alkaline agents in degreasing products
• Solvents in floor cleaners, degreasers, disinfectants, detergents, and waxes
• Formaldehyde used as a preserving agent

Physical

A cleaner's environment also presents several physical hazards which could lead to health complications:

• Repetitive movements
• Loud equipment
• Poorly designed tools (nonergonomic)
• Vibrating equipment
• Slip, trip, and fall dangers

Air Quality

Many professional cleaners work in confined spaces, which can be dangerous if the ventilation system is lacking. Nighttime cleaners are at a higher risk since many buildings turn off their HVAC systems when employees leave for the day. These workers may be exposed to harmful chemical fumes from their cleaning products.

Stress

Stressful work environments are often detrimental to employee health. Cleaners may get stressed out by:

• Inadequate training
• Lack of communication with supervisors
• Poor work organization
• Subpar working conditions
• Overexertion

These problems not only cause stress, they always increase the likelihood of a work-related injury. Common serious injuries faced by professional cleaners include:

• Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Skin, eye, and nose irritation
• Sprains and broken bones
• Burns and scars

Compensation Options For Injured Workers

If you're a cleaning professional who's been injured on the job, you are eligible to file a Workers' Comp claim. However, many workers run into complications while attempting to secure this financial compensation. Claims are often denied the first time around and require a lengthy appeals process. Having a trusted work injury lawyer by your side is the best way to maximize your chances of winning a claim.

If your injuries are permanent, you may also qualify for benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance.

Additionally, if you believe that a defective cleaning product resulted in your injury or illness, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim for further damages.

These cases are complex and often require the guidance of a lawyer who has experience fighting for workers' rights. You have enough on your plate while you recover from a serious work injury. At Monheit Law, our work injury lawyers are prepared to evaluate your case in a free consultation and determine the best gameplan for recovering the compensation you deserve, while you focus on your recovery.

Further Information

• What employees experience during Workers' Comp claims
• What to do after acquiring an exposure-related illness at work
• Common workplace injuries