Philadelphia Plumber Workers' Compensation Lawyer

There are many things employers in Bustleton and South Philadelphia can do to maintain a safe work environment for plumbers to complete their job. One effective way is to provide adequate personal protective equipment, including:

• Eye protection for cutting and grinding jobs, and to protect from open sewage
• Fall protection and hard hats for those working at heights
• Heat insulating gloves and face shields for those working on hot pipes

Plumbers working with sewage pipes must be protected with gloves, rubber boots, coveralls, and eye protection. All workers must be trained in the selection, use, and maintenance of protective equipment to ensure its effectiveness. Training can also help prevent injuries from lifting heavy loads when workers know the proper way to handle them.

Extra precautions must be taken when working in confined spaces such as boilers, silos, storage tanks, sewers, pipes, and ducts. These enclosed spaces are not intended for humans and can lack a safe level of oxygen or even contain harmful gases. Entry and exit are often difficult or restricted. Plumbers going into confined spaces should test the oxygen level regularly, use calibrated gas monitors, and wear safety gear.

Repetitive stress injuries can be prevented by rotating tasks, taking breaks to relax and rest the muscles, and maintaining equipment so that it functions efficiently without excess vibration and does not require extra effort on the part of the user. When hazards, such as lead or asbestos, are known to be present on the worksite, there are strict OSHA regulations that must be followed. Failure to do so can have serious health consequences for workers. If an injured plumber has further questions about their claim, they should contact a skilled Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney.