Injuries to lawn care workers

Autumn in Colorado inspires many people to take a step back and appreciate the beauty of nature. But for lawn care workers, this colorful season filled with crisp breezes and bountiful harvests usually means that it's time to get to work. Lawns still need to be manicured, and then there's the additional work of trimming landscaping, cleaning up the fallen leaves and removing debris from sidewalks, driveways and roadways. With more work to do, there's often an increased risk of injury.

It's important that Denver lawn care workers recognize the risks that are present in the fall, and that they also know what to do if they are injured on the job.

Common injuries suffered by lawn care professionals

Given the physical nature of the job and the need to operate heavy machinery, lawn care workers are at risk for a variety of injuries and work-related illness. Common injuries amongst lawn care workers include:

• Cuts and bruises — Lawn care workers are required to manicure lawns as well as trim hedges, prune bushes and clean up landscaping. Many lawn care workers suffer from cuts and bruises on a daily basis, but some of these can be severe. 
• Amputations — In the event of equipment malfunction or improper usage, lawn care workers can injure a limb while performing their duties. In some cases, if the injury is severe, the limb or extremity will have to be amputated. 
• Injuries related to exposure to the elements — Lawn care workers must complete their job duties outside, regardless of the weather. Exposure to extreme heat or extreme cold can cause damage to the skin or to their extremities.
• Hearing damage — The volume of the equipment that is required to maintain lawns throughout Colorado can result in hearing damage for lawn care workers. 
• Chemical burns — Lawn care workers who apply chemicals and pesticides to lawns are prone to chemical burns and other related injuries. 
• Slip-and-fall injuries — Lawn care workers are at risk of slipping and falling at any property that they are working on, particularly if it is the beginning of the job and debris has not been cleared yet from the lawn.

Lawn care workers as well as their employers should take precautions each day to help prevent work-related injuries and illness. Simple safety measures, such as proper equipment training and safety gear, can help minimize these risks significantly and will assure that lawn care workers stay safe while on the job.

What should you do if you are injured while working for a commercial law care employer?

Many residents in Colorado hire lawn care workers to take care of their private properties. It is important that you know what to do if you are injured on the job while maintaining a privately-owned lawn. If you are employed by a private company, it is likely that you will be eligible for workers' compensation. If you are an independent contractor, you are not eligible for workers' compensation. However, if the injury occurs as a result of negligence on the part of the property owner, their homeowner's insurance company should cover the costs associated with your injury. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner, depending on the individual circumstances surrounding your injury.

Lawn care workers also often have contracts with businesses and commercial property owners to maintain their landscaping as well as their lawns. In the event that you are injured while taking care of a commercial lawn, you may be eligible for workers' compensation. You will be able to file a workers' compensation claim if you are employed by a lawn care company. If you create commercial contracts as an independent contractor, you will want to partner with a lawyer to determine what type of compensation you can receive. In the case of neglect on the part of the property owner, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.