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A new law could make it safer to work in waste collection in Ohio

On Behalf of | Aug 13, 2018 | Workplace Accidents

Ohio readers know some jobs come with a higher risk of injury and on-the-job accidents than others. Men and women who do manual labor could face significant risks to their health while on the job, and it is important to make these occupations as safe as possible. A recently passed law seeks to do just that for people who work in waste collection.

Just a few weeks ago, the governor signed a bill into law that now requires drivers in the state to move over when they are passing trash trucks with flashing lights. This is to improve safety for the men and women who work this job, as well as reduce the chance of unnecessary accidents. If you work in waste collection, you may find it beneficial to take steps to know how to protect your interests in the event of an accident at work.

Improving safety for certain workers

It is the responsibility of employers to make inherently risky jobs as safe as possible. Through safety training, equipment and awareness, it is possible to reduce the chances of an unnecessary accident. However, waste collectors often work in the road and close to moving vehicles, and reckless drivers pose a significant risk to these individuals. If you are a resident of Ohio, you may find the facts about this new law interesting:

  • If approaching a trash truck with lights flashing, a driver must move over if on a multi-lane road.
  • If a driver does not comply with the rule, he or she could face charges of a misdemeanor moving violation, plus fines.
  • Repeat offenders could face fines as high as $500 and even spend time behind bars.

Statistics indicate that trash collection is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Sadly, the day this bill became law, a moving vehicle struck an Ohio waste collector, resulting in a fatality and emphasizing the importance of this legislative measure.

Your rights as an injured worker

If you are a trash collector and you suffered injuries at work, you could have grounds to seek financial support through a workers’ compensation claim. Likewise, grieving loved ones may be able to seek workers’ compensation death benefits if their family member died while on the job.

It can be beneficial for individuals who may have a claim to seek guidance as soon as possible regarding their legal options. This step can help you understand if you have a claim and how you can move forward to secure what you need to get better and move forward after a work accident.