Common Hazards Faced by Garbage Truck Drivers and Garbage Collectors in Illinois

Garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors do a very important job. They keep our homes, business places, and the entire nation clean. These workers collect, transport, and dispose or recycle waste from homes, business places, and industrial areas. Unfortunately, garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors face several hazards on the job.

These workers can suffer severe injuries while on the job. Sometimes, even when all safety measures are adhered to, and garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), they can still suffer various injuries.

The dangers that garbage truck drivers and collectors face can result from, among other things, the working environment and the nature of the job. This article shares some of the most common hazards garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors face while on the job.

Hazardous Materials

One of the most common dangers garbage truck drivers and collectors face while on the job is exposure to hazardous materials. The waste these workers handle daily can be hazardous, containing things such as sharp objects and chemicals. These dangerous materials can result in serious injuries. For example, sharp objects can result in cuts and lacerations, whereas chemicals can result in burns, allergic reactions, and eye injuries. It is crucial that garbage truck drivers and collectors receive proper training on how to handle waste and use the appropriate PPE.

Traffic Accidents

Garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors face the danger of being involved in traffic accidents. Traffic accidents involving garbage trucks can occur for several reasons. Common causes of traffic accidents involving garbage trucks include poor weather conditions, poorly maintained vehicles, speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, fatigue, and improperly loaded or unsecured waste.

Lifting

Lifting is another hazard that garbage truck drivers and collectors face while on the job. Garbage collection involves manually lifting heavy bins or containers. Repeatedly lifting these bins or containers without using proper lifting techniques can lead to repetitive strain injuries such as rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors can suffer slip, trip, and fall injuries due to bad weather. Sometimes, garbage truck drivers and collectors must work in the rain, snow, or ice. In such weather, these workers may encounter slippery surfaces. Climbing or jumping on and off the truck also presents a risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Falling Objects

When emptying garbage bins or containers into the truck, drivers and garbage collectors are at risk of being hit by falling objects and suffering severe injuries. Wearing the appropriate PPE can reduce the risk of falling object injuries.

Workers’ Compensation for Garbage Truck Drivers and Garbage Collectors

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries in the course of their employment. Garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors who suffer injuries while on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Benefits that injured garbage truck drivers and garbage collectors can recover include medical expenses, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Legal Help Is Available

If you have suffered an injury while working as a garbage truck driver or garbage collector in Illinois, contact our skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law for legal help.