In Western New York winters we drive around mountains of snow, and as soon as the snow is gone, the landscaping trucks show up. It is one more sign of spring. If you are a landscaper, you are likely to be happy to be outdoors, cutting lawns and planting trees rather than pushing that snow around with your plow. Landscaping, however, can be a hazardous occupation. Employers and workers in this industry should be covered by a Workers Compensation insurance package.
New York Workmen’s Compensation Class Code 0042 Landscape & Gardening covers a number of activities such as: grass cutting, weed control, lawn spraying, laying out grounds, tree spraying or fumigating. It also applies to those primarily engaged in planning, clearing, grading, and planting.
All of these activities can be dangerous to workers, and statistically, 50 percent of serious claims happen the first year an employee begins work in the industry.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is focusing more on the landscaping industry, looking at where the frequency of claims has increased. Loading and unloading trucks and trailers causes about 20 percent of all serious claims, with overexertion injuries like back problems forming the largest number.
Injuries can be reduced if workers are taught to start their day by stretching (like an athlete), learning good lifting practices, and safety measures for loading and offloading, But if something goes wrong and you are injured on your landscaping job, Workers Compensation can help.
If you are injured on the job, Workers Compensation can provide support — replacing a portion of lost wages and covering medical costs — but you may need a qualified Workers Compensation attorney to ensure you get the maximum compensation. A free consultation with our office could be the best move you make to protect yourself. Contact us at www.jeffreyfreedman.com or call 1-800-343-8537.