Miami, FL—Working in the restaurant industry can be rather challenging. Workers are not only required to spend countless hours on their feet, walking back and forth tending to guests, but they are also exposed to plenty of hazards that could potentially cause them to suffer injuries and illnesses. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are three groups of workplace hazards restaurant workers are exposed to. These include:

Safety Hazards

According to OSHA, safety hazards are those that cause “immediate accidents and injuries.” Slippery floors, sharp utensils, and ovens are just a few hazards that could cause an employee to suffer an injury at work. If a restaurant employee slipped and fell at work or suffered an injury while handling a sharp knife, they may be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Most employers in the State of Florida are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and provide coverage to most if not all employees. Of course, there are some individuals who may be exempt from receiving benefits, and an individual’s employer should be able to determine if they are or are not eligible to receive them.

Important: If an employee has been informed that they aren’t covered by their employer’s workers’ comp insurance, yet they believe they should receive benefits, they can contact a Miami, FL workers’ compensation lawyer to find out if they are being provided with accurate information.

Ergonomic Hazards

Repetitive tasks and heavy lifting are two examples of ergonomic hazards. Individuals who engage in heavy lifting or perform the same task on a continual basis are at risk of suffering a sprain or strain. Those who do strain or sprain one or more areas of their body while working in a restaurant might also be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation insurance will generally cover the cost of medical care needed to treat the injury or condition and it will even provide a worker with wage replacement benefits if their doctor says they cannot work and they missed more than seven days.

Other Health Hazards

Chemicals, stress, and heat are examples of health hazards restaurant workers may also be exposed to according to OSHA.

Reporting a Work-Related Injury

If an individual suffered a work-related injury while working in a restaurant in Miami, they should report the incident to their employer as soon as possible. Their employer should then document the accident and contact their insurer so that a claim can be opened. The severity of the injury will play a large role in determining what type of benefits the injured worker can collect (e.g. permanent disability benefits, temporary disability benefits, etc.).

Mario Trespalacios P.A. Can Help With The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

If an injured restaurant employee in Miami is having a hard time obtaining workers’ compensation benefits or they have a question regarding the benefits they are currently receiving, a Miami, FL workers’ compensation lawyer would be happy to address their concerns. Mario Trespalacios P.A. is a workers’ compensation law firm located in Miami that assists injured workers with recovering the benefits they are entitled to as well as helping them resolve any issues they may encounter.

Mario Trespalacios P.A. offers free consultations and can be reached at 305-261-5800.

Mario Trespalacios P.A. can be contacted at:

9495 SW 72 Street, Suite B-275

Miami, FL 33173

Phone: 305-261-5800

Website: www.mtpalegal.com