Janitorial and custodial workers perform physically demanding jobs that often involve cleaning large facilities, lifting supplies, operating equipment, and working around wet floors and hazardous conditions. Whether you work in a school, hospital, office building, warehouse, hotel, or industrial facility, custodial work can lead to serious workplace injuries.
At Stern & Cohen, we represent janitors, custodians, maintenance workers, cleaners, environmental services employees, and housekeeping staff who have been injured on the job. If you suffered a workplace injury while performing janitorial or custodial duties, our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help.
Common Causes of Janitorial and Custodial Worker Injuries
Custodial employees face a variety of workplace hazards every day while cleaning, maintaining, and servicing buildings.
Common causes of janitorial and custodial worker injuries include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet floors
- Lifting heavy trash bags, supplies, and equipment
- Repetitive bending, kneeling, and reaching
- Falls from ladders or step stools
- Floor cleaning and maintenance equipment accidents
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals and hazardous substances
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Struck-by accidents involving carts or equipment
- Snow and ice removal accidents
- Workplace falls in stairwells and hallways
Many custodial workers perform physically demanding tasks throughout their entire shift, increasing the risk of both traumatic and repetitive injuries.
Common Janitorial and Custodial Injuries
The physical nature of custodial work can place significant stress on the body over time.
Common janitorial and custodial worker injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Herniated discs
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Slip and fall injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Chemical exposure injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
These injuries may require medical treatment, physical therapy, surgery, and extended time away from work.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Custodial Workers
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits may be available if you were injured while performing janitorial or custodial duties.
Workers’ compensation benefits may cover:
- Medical treatment
- Surgery and hospital bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Wage-loss benefits
- Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries
- Workers’ compensation settlements
Whether your injury occurred while cleaning floors, lifting equipment, removing trash, or maintaining a facility, you may be entitled to benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can janitorial workers receive workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Most janitorial and custodial workers are covered by Pennsylvania workers’ compensation and may qualify for benefits after a work-related injury.
Are slip and fall injuries covered by workers’ compensation?
Yes. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common custodial workplace injuries and may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they occur while performing job duties.
Can repetitive stress injuries qualify for workers’ compensation?
Yes. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder injuries, and back injuries caused by repetitive work activities may be covered under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.
Contact a Pennsylvania Janitorial Worker Injury Lawyer
A workplace injury can make it difficult to continue performing the physical demands of custodial work. At Stern & Cohen, we help injured janitors, custodians, and maintenance workers pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
If you were injured while working in a school, hospital, office building, hotel, warehouse, or other facility, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.