Tree Service Workers and Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Every so often as we are driving or walking down a street, we look up and see workers in the trees above us. These workers are involved in various industries and occupations in the care and maintenance of trees, such as tree trimming, pruning, and removal. This offers a useful contribution to our society by helping to maintain roads and sidewalks as well as contributing to the improvement of the appearance, health, and value of trees. However, this type of work also has many safety hazards and carries a risk of injury that is spotlighted every so often in publicized tragic examples.
Local 10 News recently reported that a tree service worker was shocked by a power line on a recent weekday morning in Fort Lauderdale. Authorities have asserted that the 32-year-old worker was taken to Broward Health Medical Center after the workplace accident.
How Often Do These Injuries Occur?
According to the National Safety Council, there were almost 130 tree work-related incidents that occurred in 2017. Almost half of these workplace accidents were fatal. But fortunately, this represents a decrease of nearly 22 percent in the number of incidents when compared with the previous years.
What Are the Workplace Injuries Faced By Tree Service Workers?
A tree service worker has one of the most physically demanding jobs anywhere. Job duties often include operating heavy machinery such as power saws, sprayers, truck-mounted cranes, and many other types of equipment and tools. Additionally, tree service workers often climb trees by using climbing hooks or ladders to gain access to work areas. And once you think about the fact that workplace tasks such as cutting away dead and excess branches from trees and clearing branches from around power lines involve a significant amount of bending, stretching, and twisting, it is unsurprising that tree service workers can be injured in so many ways. Tree service workers face workplace injury risks such as:
- Electric shock and burns from contact with energized electrical lines
- Lacerations and blood loss from chainsaw and power saw accidents
- Crush injuries and suffocation from falling objects such as trees
- Internal bleeding and skull fractures after falling from trees or ladders
- Traumatic brain injuries after being struck by falling objects or tree branches
- Dismemberment or decapitation from being pulled into a wood or brush chipper
- Anaphylaxis from bee stings and other harmful animals
- Heat stroke and organ failure from exposure to hot environments
Have You Been Injured in an Accident While Working in the Tree Industry?
Unfortunately, more can happen in the air than a tree simply growing. And when things go wrong at greater heights, unfortunately, the injuries that result are often greater as well. Whatever implications that you are facing as an injured worker, you need the right legal team on your side to fight for you and ensure that you maximize your rights. The Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates have significant experience helping injured workers in similar circumstances and we are here to help you get the benefits you deserve. Begin by contacting us today to schedule a free consultation.