Workers’ Comp for Janitors & Cleaners

Workers Compensation for Janitors & Cleaning Personnel

Janitorial workers and cleaning personnel have always played a crucial role in maintaining clean and safe environments. From office buildings to hospitals and schools, their diligent efforts keep spaces sanitized, safe and conducive to productivity.  And, due to COVID 19, never has the work of janitors and cleaners been more important to our society.

However, the nature of janitorial and cleaning work exposes them to various workplace dangers, often making them more susceptible to injuries and illnesses than many other lines of work.

In this article, our attorneys will explore the workplace risks faced by janitorial workers and cleaning staff, delve into the common injuries prevalent in these professions, and discuss the benefits they are entitled to under California workers’ compensation law. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of seeking the support of an experienced workers’ comp law firm like Cantrell Green to ensure that injured cleaning personnel receive the workers compensation benefits they deserve.

Statistic on Janitor & Cleaner Workplace Injury

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2019, janitors and cleaners (including maids and housekeeping cleaners) experienced a higher rate of non-fatal injuries and illnesses compared to the national average for all occupations.

The incidence rate of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses for janitors and cleaners was 9.4 cases per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. This is more than three times higher than the overall private industry national average of 2.8 cases per 100 workers. (1)

According to the BLS, janitors and cleaners reported over 55,000 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States in a recent year. These injuries often result in time away from work and medical treatment, impacting the livelihood and wellbeing of affected workers.

Common Workers Comp Injuries of Janitorial Workers & Cleaning Staff

The repetitive nature of cleaning tasks – coupled with the amount of lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing – can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as back strains, shoulder injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals can cause lung and breathing problems and respiratory issues, as well as skin irritations and burn, and allergic reactions.

Additionally, cleaning staff often has reach, climb, and walk on wet surfaces – so slips and falls are another leading cause of sprains, fractures, and head injuries among janitors and cleaners.

Also, janitors and cleaning staff may encounter injuries related to the operation and maintenance of powerful cleaning equipment and machinery.

California Workers’ Comp Benefits for Janitors & Cleaning Staff

California workers’ compensation law provides crucial benefits to janitorial workers and cleaning personnel injured on the job. These benefits include medical treatment coverage, temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for families of workers who lost their lives due to workplace accidents or illnesses.

1. Medical Treatment Coverage: If a janitor or cleaning staff member sustains a work-related injury or illness, California workers’ compensation law entitles them to receive necessary medical treatment related to their condition. This coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, medical devices, physical therapy, and any other medical interventions deemed necessary for their recovery.
2. Temporary Disability Benefits: Janitors and cleaners who are unable to work temporarily due to their work-related injury or illness may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits provide partial wage replacement to compensate for the wages lost during their recovery period. Temporary disability benefits aim to help workers maintain financial stability while they are unable to work and are receiving medical treatment.
3. Permanent Disability Benefits: If a janitor or cleaning staff member sustains a severe injury that results in permanent impairments or limitations, they may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are designed to provide ongoing financial support based on the extent of their permanent disability and its impact on their ability to work and earn a living.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation: In cases where a janitor or cleaner’s work-related injury or illness results in permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to their previous job, they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational rehabilitation aims to help injured workers acquire new job skills or transition to alternative employment that is compatible with their limitations.
5. Death Benefits: In tragic cases where a janitor or cleaning staff member loses their life due to a work-related accident or illness, their surviving dependents, such as spouses and children, may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits provide financial support to the family to help them cope with the loss of income and cover funeral and burial expenses.

Experienced Workers’ Comp Law Firm for Janitors & Cleaners

Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims can be overwhelming for injured janitorial workers and cleaning staff. Hiring an experienced workers’ comp law firm like Cantrell Green can make a significant difference in obtaining the benefits they rightfully deserve. The attorneys at Cantrell Green are well-versed in California workers’ comp laws and have a proven track record of more than four decades successfully representing janitorial workers and cleaning personnel in their claims.

While California workers’ compensation law provides crucial benefits to injured cleaning workers, insurance companies of wrongfully deny benefits to these claimants. And, if English is the applicants second language, collecting workers compensation benefits can be an even harder process.

By seeking the support of an experienced workers’ comp law firm like Cantrell Green, injured janitors and cleaners can rest assured that their rights will be protected, and they will have dedicated advocates working tirelessly to secure the benefits they deserve. If you are a janitor, cleaning person, housekeeper, or other sanitation staff, our law firm can help you navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation, ensuring that you receive the support and compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Workers’ Comp Law Firm for Janitors & Cleaners: 800-964-8047

(1.) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – “Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away from Work, 2019”