Foot Injuries on the Job
Foot injuries do not get much attention as a workplace injury, but they are more common than most people realize, according to recent studies.
That’s why it’s imperative for employers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to take an active role in protecting their workers from foot injuries.
How Devastating Can A Foot Injury Be?
A foot injury can leave a person out of work for an extended period, perhaps even permanently. At the same time, the employer has lost a trained worker.
The good news from EHS Today, an occupational safety and health magazine: Foot injuries are preventable if an employer is willing to take the initiative. For example, many foot injuries occur when a worker trips over pre-installed anti-fatigue mats. The simple solution is to replace the bulky mats with personal anti-fatigue insoles. The insoles also redistribute weight and relieve pressure, preventing other types of injuries among workers who spend an extended amount of time on their feet.
Other areas that can easily be addressed by employers include providing a list of recommended work boots with proven traction for better footing, and addressing issues posed by poor flooring, such as repairing loose floorboard, clearing clutter, keeping floors clean and regularly inspected.
Even though preventing foot injuries appears simple, many employers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey do not make the effort. Maybe they feel that accidents are something that happen at other companies. Maybe they feel they can save money by not establishing and maintaining safety programs. Whatever the case, they are behaving in a short-sighted manner that is detrimental to the well-being of their employees.
Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim After A Foot Injury
If you’ve suffered a foot injury on the job, you may be out of work and unable to provide for your family. Depending on the severity of your injury, you could be facing a lengthy rehabilitation period or even a permanent disability. And going through the workers’ compensation process can be difficult.
What you need on your side is someone who will aggressively protect your legal rights while acting in your best interests. Workers’ compensation attorney Tony Vellner of Vellner Law, P.C. has experience handling cases just like yours in Pennsylvania.
Contact our offices in Bethlehem and Allentown, PA to set up a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.