Are you a janitor, custodian or building cleaner who was injured on the job?
The sooner you get a lawyer, the sooner we can get you the compensation you need.
Those in the professional cleaning industry are arguably some of the most underappreciated employees. These hard-working people conduct essential tasks at all hours, around hazardous chemicals, using dangerous equipment — all while frequently being exposed to unsafe working conditions.
Janitors, custodians and cleaners across many different industries play a vital role in keeping places of business sanitary, safe and well-maintained. They commonly work — often at night — in office buildings, medical facilities, schools, universities, daycares and cafeterias, doing the necessary but unglamorous work day in and day out.
Many custodial workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Thanks in part to this labor union and a movement started in the 1980s called “Justice for Janitors,” advocates for janitor safety have made great strides to bring attention to the risks these folks endure while performing their job. And yet, decades later, janitorial work remains one of the most at-risk jobs for workplace injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured while working in the custodial field, find out today what your options are to obtain workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia.
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Common on-the-job injuries suffered by janitorial employees
Before we discuss the types of injuries most commonly seen in the custodial business, let’s talk about the variety of tasks the average janitor or cleaning staff deal with on a daily basis.
While this list just scratches the surface, a majority of cleaners are responsible for:
- Washing desk surfaces, windows and walls
- Mopping and vacuuming floors
- Collecting trash in bins and emptying various receptacles
- Cleaning up spills that could be hazardous
- Using hazardous chemicals to lift stains from carpets
- Locking the building/offices and other security practices
- Conducting minor building repairs which may involve plumbing or electrical issues
- Keeping track of regular maintenance items or equipment that needs minor or major service
- Cleaning bathrooms, shoveling snow and ice
- Sweeping outdoor sidewalks and mowing grass
Custodial staff face a variety of potentially dangerous accidents, which can result in the following injuries:
- Slip and falls due to slick floors
- Muscle tears to ligaments from lifting heavy items
- Repetitive motion injuries from mopping or sweeping
- Back and neck injuries due to ergonomic issues
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MDSs) and overexertion
- Electrocution from faulty equipment or while fixing a socket
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals and other toxic hazards
- Respiratory issues due to chemical exposure
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Janitorial safety tips: how to prevent custodial employee injury or illness
Janitors and professional cleaners can mitigate their chances of suffering an injury by being proactive around chemicals and exposure to various hazardous conditions. Such preventative steps should include:
- Wearing non-slip footwear
- Working at a pace that allows for situational awareness
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Training in the handling of hazardous material
- Using devices to help with heavy loads such as lifts
- Learning proper lifting techniques
Compensation for injured janitors and cleaners
If you or a loved one is a custodian or janitorial worker in Georgia and were injured on the job, we can help. Proving that someone was at fault for your injury isn’t necessary to receive workers’ compensation benefits since it’s a no-fault system. What’s important is taking care of yourself.
First, notify your employer and seek immediate medical help. Securing reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages will only happen after you are medically attended to. In Georgia, any janitorial employee who is hurt while performing their duties may qualify for disability benefits and medical care coverage, including rehabilitation.
Did you know that workers’ compensation rules vary depending on the state where you were hurt? For more information on workplace injuries and other frequently asked questions about Georgia workers’ compensation and disability benefits, visit our FAQs page.
Client success
Our record of winning accident cases in Georgia speaks for itself:
Let an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer handle your legal mess
Despite careful actions and training, accidents can happen. At Gerber & Elkins, our experienced work injury lawyers in Flowery Branch, Alpharetta, and Atlanta can calculate the value of your claim and handle all negotiations with the insurance company to maximize your compensation and minimize your stress.
Don’t wait to contact an attorney! Time is of the essence. The sooner you can get legal help, the sooner we can get you the compensation you need and deserve.
