Understand your rights to compensation after an injury in a warehouse
The bustling warehouses of Arizona serve as vital hubs for the logistics and distribution industries. But behind the scenes of these fast-paced environments lie many potential dangers that threaten the safety and well-being of the workers within them.
From heavy machinery and high shelving to slippery surfaces and strenuous manual labor, the hazards faced by warehouse employees in Arizona are numerous and significant. In this article, we delve into the inherent risks associated with working in a warehouse and explain how to file a claim for workers’ comp benefits if you get injured on the job.
Warehouse injury statistics
Warehouse workers suffer injuries at a higher rate than other occupations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national fatality rate for all industries is 3.9 per 100,000 workers, but that figure skyrockets to 12.9 for warehousing, transportation and utilities.
Injury rates at Amazon warehouses
Some businesses are worse than others when it comes to occupational hazards.
Amazon, for instance, has been repeatedly cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace safety violations, including the exposure of employees to dangerous conditions and practices. It’s also been fined for failing to properly report employee injuries.
On top of that, the injuries it does report paint an alarming picture: Amazon warehouse workers experience twice the rate of injuries as other warehouse workers.
In the news:
Worker injured in forklift accident at Amazon
Amazon made headlines in 2022 when a worker was crushed by a forklift at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rescue workers initially had difficulty reaching the injured worker, as the building was under construction with no working elevators, and the accident took place on the fifth floor. Fortunately, the man survived, but it was yet another “bad news day” for Amazon, adding to its reputation for preventable workplace accidents.
Common job hazards for warehouse workers
Warehouses are fast-paced environments where employees and equipment are in close proximity. This can cause a number of job hazards, including:
- Machinery accidents
- Assembly line accidents
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Equipment failure
- Improper or poorly enforced safety protocols
Most frequently cited OSHA violations at warehouses
OSHA has compiled a list of its most common violations in warehouse environments. Some of the results are expected, but others might surprise you.
- Forklifts. Almost 100,000 employees are hurt in forklift accidents every year. Most happen because of forklift turnovers.
- Portable fire extinguishers. Fires aren’t unheard of in warehouses, and many warehouses fail to have accessible or unexpired fire extinguishers available.
- Hazard communication. Hazard communication, or “hazcom,” is an industry term relating to hazardous materials and how their dangers are communicated to the employees handling them.
- Electrical, wiring methods. Electric hazards can come in the form of both wiring and full-scale system design.
- Respiratory protection. OSHA requires certain safety equipment to be available and used when working with certain chemicals and other hazards to prevent respiratory illnesses and certain cancers.
- Lockout and tagout. These are machinery processes that can result in injuries and deaths when they aren’t properly monitored, operated or managed.
Note that there are many other possible OSHA violations at warehouses. These are just the most frequently cited.
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Common injuries for warehouse workers
How do warehouse workers get hurt? The list is endless:
- Repetitive strain injuries. The most common warehouse injuries are caused by repetitive lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and reaching motions.
- Burns. Burns are a risk when handling everything from tools to chemicals.
- Crush injuries. Crush injuries take place in, around, between or beneath forklifts and other heavy machinery. They can result in everything from broken bones to amputations to death.
- Head and spinal cord injuries. Falling objects can cause traumatic brain injuries. So can slip-and-fall accidents when an employee lands badly. Employees can also fall from scaffolds, ladders and platforms.
- Chemical exposure. Hazardous chemicals can cause both short- and long-term health complications.
- Electrocutions. Workers can get hurt when tool or machine wiring isn’t up to code.
Why are injuries so common in warehouses?
Warehousing is an industry that comes with a certain amount of inherent risk. However, these risks are often exacerbated by employers cutting corners and ignoring safety regulations in the name of profit. For example, it’s common for warehouses to pressure their workers to fulfill or exceed quotas by any means necessary, even if it means increasing their risk of injury.
Eligibility requirements for workers’ compensation in Arizona
If you’ve been injured while working a warehouse job in Arizona, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Most Arizona employers with even 1 employee are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to provide their workers with benefits after an on-the-job injury or illness. To qualify as “work-related,” your injury or illness must be caused or aggravated by your job duties.
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Workers’ comp as a no-fault system
In Arizona, workers’ compensation operates as a no-fault system. This means that your injury or illness doesn’t have to be the result of an employer’s negligence in order for you to receive compensation for it. You don’t have to hold anyone liable, and your employer doesn’t have to admit liability, either. In fact, in most cases, you’ll qualify for benefits even if you caused the accident that led to your injury.
Types of workers’ compensation benefits
There are essentially 3 types of workers’ comp benefits:
- Medical benefits that cover all necessary medical care, including hospitalizations, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation and doctor appointments
- Lost wage benefits that are calculated according to the severity of your injury and cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you can’t work or can only work in a limited capacity while you heal from your injuries
- Death benefits that are paid to certain dependents if you die from a work-related injury or illness, including funeral expenses and lost income
How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Arizona
There are 5 steps to seeking workers’ comp in Arizona:
- Seek medical attention. This will ensure your injuries are documented, which is necessary for a successful claim.
- Notify your employer of your injury. They’re required to notify their workers’ comp insurance carrier and the Industrial Commission of Arizona of your injury within 10 days.
- Fill out and submit the appropriate forms, including the Worker’s and Physician’s Report of Injury (obtained from your doctor) and the Worker’s Report of Injury form. These forms must be submitted within 1 year of your injury.
- Wait for approval or denial of your claim.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if your claim is denied or you find yourself lost in the process of filing a claim.
Tips for preventing warehouse injuries
While some occupational hazards are just the nature of the job, there are ways that you can prevent workplace injuries as a warehouse employee. Here are just a few tips:
- Memorize your training modules and their advice.
- Always wear the recommended safety gear or personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Pay attention to ergonomic safety to prevent repetitive stress injuries.
- Use proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects and merchandise.
- Maintain clear pathways and designated areas for pedestrians and machinery.
- Follow all signs and floor markings to prevent collisions.
- Stay alert to common dangers such as forklift turnovers, falling objects and pallet rack collapses.
Contact an Arizona workers’ compensation attorney
If you’ve been injured at a warehouse or any other workplace in Arizona, consider contacting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected. An attorney can assist you in filing your claim and handle negotiations with your employer and their insurance company to help you get maximum compensation.
If you live in Phoenix and have been injured on the job, the experienced work injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski are here to help. We specialize in workers’ comp cases and are proud to have been helping injured Arizona workers recover the compensation they deserve for more than 45 years.
