Injury Claim after an Accidents In The Cleaning Industry

As part of their job, cleaners and domestics face numerous dangers on a daily basis. Every employer has a legal duty to protect their workers whilst at work. They must take measures to eliminate risks or minimise risks to prevent accidents from taking place at work. If you work as a cleaner or domestic and have been involved in an accident at work, you may be able to put up a work injury claim. If you are a member of a trade union, it is important that you contact them first because you may be entitled to make use of their legal service. However, if you are not a trade union member, you can get in touch with injury lawyers who will be able to help you with your injury claim.

Hazards Facing Workers In The Cleaning Industry

Domestics and cleaners can get involved in many different types of accidents. In the cleaning industry, there are many hazards facing cleaners and domestics. Some of the main ones include:

Chemicals and Cleaning Products

Workers in the cleaning industry are generally required to work with chemicals and cleaning products which can be hazardous to health if not used correctly. There are a number of rules and regulations in place which have been designed to protect cleaners and domestics from exposure to chemicals and hazardous substances. Under the COSHH regulations, employers must try to avoid using hazardous substances in the workplace. If possible, these substances must be replaced with safe alternatives. However, if this cannot be done, then the exposure to workers must be minimised. Workers must also be provided with appropriate PPE, also known as Personal Protective Equipment such as goggles, overalls, boots and gloves.

Coming into contact with dangerous chemicals can also cause skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis. In addition, they can cause respiratory problems such as asthma. If your employer has failed to minimise exposure to chemicals and hazardous substances at work, you may be entitled to make an injury claim if you have been injured at work.

Needlestick Injuries

These kinds of injuries can be caused by sharp objects such as scalpels and syringes. Needlestick injuries can be caused when they are put into refuse sacks or have not been disposed of properly. Needlestick injuries can also be sustained in gardens, parks, public toilets, stairwells and other cleaning areas.

Manual Handling Injuries

Cleaners and domestics are mostly required to work with and move large equipments such as floor polishers and vacuum cleaners. If you have been injured whilst moving, pulling, pushing or lifting heavy work equipment, you may be entitled to make manual handling injury claims.