Los Angeles Workers' Issues and Personal Injury Blog

California has long taken a leading role in protecting the environment, and a lot of us love to reduce, reuse and recycle. The recycling industry can be hard on workers, however, and the dangers can be as varied as they are concerning.

The task of taking everything we discard and trying make use of as much of it as possible is a big challenge. Everybody seems to have a different idea of how and what to toss into the waste stream. Since they keep the environment safe, keep them safe with these tips.

Janitors and cleaners often put their safety on the line. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that tens of thousands of workers in the janitorial services industry in California and other states suffer workplace injuries every year. However, safety authorities say most injuries are preventable by taking necessary safety precautions. Although employers are responsible for the health and safety of employees, janitorial staff often work off site, putting the burden of safety on themselves.

Janitors work in various environments, some of which are more dangerous than others. The most hazardous workplaces for janitors include construction sites, waste management facilities, warehouses and medical offices. Although offices pose fewer risks, a slip-and-fall accident can cause serious injuries. It is crucial for janitors to be alert and continuously be on the lookout for potential hazards.

Safety authorities have taken steps to protect workers in California from the hazards of wildfire smoke. This emergency regulation comes at the height of the wildfire season, and it will likely become effective in August and stay in place for one year. The rule serves to prevent smoke-related workplace injuries that are common at this time of the year.

The regulation requires employers to protect workers from exposure to airborne wildfire particulate matter by checking the Air Quality Index at the start of each shift and at frequent intervals throughout the workday. If the AQI for Particular Matter 2.5 is measured at a level of 151 or higher, workers must be relocated to an area with an AQI below that level. If that is not possible, they must be moved to an indoor area where the air is filtered.

California employers might not pay enough attention to hand safety. Workers need their hands for every job they do, and workplace injuries that cause amputations can jeopardize their ability to return to the same position. Even the loss of one finger can be life-changing. However, it is not only the obvious hazards that can cause serious workplace injuries.

While unguarded moving machine parts pose significant amputation hazards, workers in other industries also face hand injury risks. Those in admin or call centers who type on keyboards and manipulate a computer mouse for hours on end can suffer repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause chronic wrist pain. One precaution is to take frequent breaks from repetitive motions, and do frequent finger, arm and shoulder stretch exercises.