Summer is in full swing, and few industries present as many dangers to workers as the landscaping industry. Landscapers often have to work from heights, operate machines with saws and blades, and don’t forget the long hours in the summer heat. If you are a landscaper, you need to know the risks of the job as well as what to do in the event of a work injury in Minnesota. We share those answers in today’s blog.
Common Landscaping Injuries
We touched on some of the common landscaping injuries in the intro, but here’s a more comprehensive list of some of the dangers landscapers face on a daily basis. Injuries from:
- Falls when trimming tree branches or clearing gutters.
- Cuts and puncture wounds from hedge trimmers or mechanical saws.
- Laceration injuries from string trimmers or weed whackers.
- Eye injuries from flying debris.
- Chemical injuries if treating invasive plant species.
- Driving to or from a job site, or while unloading heavy equipment.
- Exhaustion and other heat-related injuries.
Preventing Injuries and Pursuing Compensation
When it comes to preventing injuries, it really comes down to knowing the areas of risk and taking some safety precautions. For example, when working from heights, be sure to wear fall prevention gear, and always wear the necessary eye protection. Follow the instructions when operating machinery and wear gloves when working with chemicals. Finally, be sure to stay hydrated and get out of the sun if you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
If you or someone you know works as a landscaper and has suffered a work injury, remember that you have a right to compensation. Cuts, lacerations and falls can all result in serious injuries that can prevent you from working for months and have lifelong consequences. You are entitled to benefits, and we can help you maximize your award claim.
If you suffer an injury on the job, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once the injury has been cared for, report it to your boss or supervisor. Eventually, you’ll need to have the injury assessed with an independent medical exam. This helps to determine the extent of your injury, how long you may be affected by it, and what type of compensation would best suit your situation. From there, trust the case to an experienced workers’ compensation firm like Hey Workers while you focus on getting healthy. We’ll work hard to secure compensation while you work hard to make the fullest recovery possible.
For more information on how we’ll calculate your claim award or present your claim, reach out to our firm today.
