During the pandemic, online shopping and deliveries are at an all-time high, especially during the recent holiday season. Unfortunately, hazards in distribution centers where employees work at a feverish pace to keep up, are also on the rise resulting in many more warehouse and distribution center workers experiencing an increase workplace injuries and fatalities.
To illustrate the point, a recent investigation reveals that one well known company has seen fatalities increase from seven in its 2017 and 2018 fiscal years to 10 last year, and its rate of missed days following nonfatal, traumatic injuries – anything from stuck by injuries to amputations – rose 28% in North America between fiscal 2017 and 2019.
Research reveals that many injuries and fatalities in distribution centers happen in the first year of employment, pointing to a problem with training and supervision. Certainly temporary workers run an even higher risk as staffing agencies rarely scratch the surface of training to ensure workers are safe on the job.
Unfortunately, preventable injuries and fatalities in the work place are all too common. In a recent wrongful death lawsuit against a major shipping company where a worker was fatally struck on the job alleges that adequate training for temporary workers was not provided and workers were allowed to engage in dangerous practices. Many feel that speed and profit appeared to be more important than the safety of employees.
If you or a family member is seriously hurt on the job, it is important to seek help. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can fight for maximum compensation for your injuries including medical bills, lost and future wages, including pursuing a third party personal injury claim against other negligent parties. Contact our Davenport area distribution center work injury and personal injury law offices to discuss your work injury at 563-355-6378.