Wastewater treatment plants remove impurities from sewer and storm water before releasing the treated water into rivers, oceans, landscaping networks, and other places that rely on recycled irrigation. The process requires plant employees to work with various types of mechanical equipment, treatment tanks, and water-cleaning chemicals, which exposes them to a number of potential workplace hazards, such as:
- Slips, trips, and falls. Water leaks and spills can make floors dangerously slippery, leading to slips, trips, and falls that can leave workers with sprains, broken bones, concussions, and other injuries.
- Confined spaces with poor ventilation. Working in these areas can expose employees to low oxygen levels, and dangerously high levels of ammonia, methane gas, and hydrogen sulfide.
- Drowning and/or engulfment in treatment tanks. Engulfment or drowning are frightening possibilities for workers who fall into treatment tanks at wastewater plants.
- Equipment accidents. Water treatment involves the use of equipment and machinery such as pumps, valves, screens, conveyors, and belt presses. Workers who place their hands, arms, or feet too close to these machines can suffer serious caught-in or crush injuries.
- Chemical and biological hazards. Spills or prolonged exposure to chemical or biological hazards used in water treatment can cause serious injuries or even death.
Thorough safety training, keeping floors clean and dry, guardrails around open water sources and dangerous machinery, and proper use of personal protective equipment can help mitigate these occupational hazards. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries and still occur and, when they do, they can keep you out of work for days, weeks, or even longer.
Were you hurt on the job at an Atlanta-area wastewater treatment plant? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits for:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement payments (temporary partial disability, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability)
- Mileage reimbursement for medically-necessary travel
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Benefits for your survivors if your injury results in death
Collecting the benefits you deserve for your workplace injuries can be surprisingly difficult. Fortunately, there's help.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Georgia Workers' Comp Attorney
Want to ensure you receive the workers' compensation benefits you deserve? Contact Rechtman & Spevak today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our accomplished legal team.
|
Related Links: |