Storm season has officially kicked off in South East and Regional Queensland. As high-risk workers, homeowners, truck drivers and farmers hold tight for heavy rain, storms and floods, rural workers (in Toowoomba, Roma QLD) are cautioned to stay ‘extra safe’ this season.
Wet weather can further increase the risk level of tasks that are already hazardous to begin with. For example, working at a height in wet weather can become a much higher hazard due to soft grounds or slippery surfaces below.
Storm and Flood Cleanup and Repair Workers
Workers and volunteers who are directly involved in the cleanup and repair of storm and flood damage are cautioned to remember their safe work methods at all times, to avoid subjecting themselves to high levels of risk. However, even with these methods in place, there is still a chance that workers will succumb to accidents.
Some common injuries that occur whilst fulfilling work duties for flood or storm repair and clean-up are:
• Cuts and scratches;
• Infections from contaminated water;
• Machinery rollover, bogging or loss of stability;
• Quad bike accidents due to driving through waterways, or running into hidden obstacles;
• Injuries from wildlife (i.e., snake or spider bites);
• Psychological stress;
• Exposure to chemicals or asbestos and many others.
If you’ve been injured whilst working or volunteering for the clean and up the repair of storm and flood damages, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Receiving accurate legal advice early on can significantly increase your chances of success.
The Precautions
All workers and employees will need to exercise the correct amount of caution when it comes to remaining safe during storm season. This can be done through safety management systems, inductions, training and personal protective equipment.
What to do if you’ve been injured
If you have been injured on the job or have sustained an injury directly related to your line of work, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.
Compensation claims could enable you to receive payments for your loss of income, medical expenses or rehabilitation costs. This can be the case for any psychological or physical injuries.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Toowoomba, Roma and Regional Queensland
When considering the next step to take regarding your workplace injury, please follow the link below to discover more information on workers compensation and legal support.