Sanitation work in Ohio is physically demanding. However, while people might think the occupational risks extend to just the heavy lifting or the truck’s powerful machinery, some of the most serious risks are invisible and tucked inside trash bags. From medical sharps to chemical waste, workers face biological hazards every shift.
The threat of the misplaced needle
Residential and commercial bins often contain items that should never be there. A single puncture from a discarded needle can change a life in an instant, leading to several potential health complications. Some of the risks workers face include:
- Hepatitis B and C infections
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
- Chemical burns from household hazardous waste
- Respiratory issues from aerosolized materials during compaction (which may require strong medical proof to link to work)
While the puncture itself may seem minor, the potential for long-term illness is high.
How the BWC views exposure
In Ohio, a workers’ compensation claim is not reserved for overt injuries like broken bones. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recognizes that a puncture injury or a work-related illness may support a claim.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover necessary medical care after an exposure event. For state-funded employers, the BWC may pay for your testing and treatment for serious illnesses when medically necessary and part of an allowed claim.
If your employer is self-insured, they must pay these costs directly to your healthcare providers for allowed benefits. This can help reduce out-of-pocket bills for medically necessary care when the claim is allowed.
The importance of the paper trail
Timely reporting is essential for any claim involving a biohazard. The worker must document the exact time and location of the incident. This helps the BWC establish that the injury happened during the course of employment. Documenting the event immediately protects the worker’s ability to access future benefits if a chronic condition develops.
Securing your health and future
Sanitation work is vital to every Ohio community, but it can be dangerous to those working to keep our state clean and safe. When hazardous waste leads to a serious illness, the financial burden should not fall on the individual. Workers’ compensation ensures these workers have access to the care and resources they deserve if they get hurt or sick on the job.