Injury Risks for Maintenance Workers
Maintenance workers are employed by a very wide range of businesses in Maryland and in many different industries. In some cases, maintenance workers are hired to perform general maintenance work, while others are hired to perform specific kinds of maintenance jobs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), maintenance and repair workers are frequently hired to “fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings,” as well as to “paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.” There are more than 1.3 million maintenance workers in the country, and there are typically more than 23,000 nonfatal injuries in this profession that result in days away from work.
The BLS emphasizes that “general maintenance and repair workers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.” What are some of the most common injury risks for maintenance workers performing the wide range of tasks discussed above? Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys can tell you more.
Exposure to Harmful or Toxic Substances
Repair and maintenance workers routinely perform services in basement areas, crawlspaces, attics, and other areas where they could be at risk of exposure to harmful and toxic substances, such as asbestos and other now-banned materials. It is critical for maintenance and repair workers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there is a risk of exposure to dangerous substances that could cause immediate harm or long-term disease.
Struck By Object or Equipment
When maintenance and repair workers are engaged in various tasks, they can be at risk of being struck by an object or equipment — from a falling object to a motor vehicle that is being used for certain work.
Falls
Same-level falls that include slips, trips, and falls, as well as falls from heights or falls to a lower level, are serious risks for maintenance workers in Maryland. Since maintenance workers may be tasked with repairs in areas where slips, trips, and falls are common, or where a fall from heights is possible, it is particularly important to be aware of the risks associated with both types of falls.
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Given that maintenance and repair workers are regularly performing tasks that require them to do heavy lifting and to engage in a similar motion (such as wall or ceiling painting), risks of overexertion and repetitive motion injuries are high.
Electrocutions and Electrical Accidents
The BLS reports that electrical shocks and similar types of electrical injuries are common among maintenance workers, especially general maintenance workers who are tasked with upkeep and repair for hotels, office buildings, and larger structures that may require electrical work.
Contact a Maryland Maintenance Worker Injury Lawyer
Anyone who was injured on the job while performing maintenance work could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In order to receive benefits, it will be essential to know about all requirements of the Maryland workers’ compensation system, and one of the experienced Maryland maintenance worker injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC can help. Contact our firm today to discuss your workplace injury and how we can assist you in seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
Sources:
bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/general-maintenance-and-repair-workers.htm
bls.gov/iif/snapshots/osn-maintenance-and-repair-workers-general-2016-20.htm#:~:text=In%20private%20industry%20for%20maintenance,(FTE)%20workers%20was%20241.9
