Many grocery store workers are put in harm’s way every time they go to work during these dangerous times.
In the new coronavirus economy, many sectors have been hit very hard by job loss, while other areas are booming. One of the jobs that has become more valuable is the grocery store worker.
An increasing number of people are being ordered to stay at home by local and state government, causing them to cook at home more rather than eat at restaurants. Unfortunately, to meet this growing need, grocery store workers are now totally overworked and scared for their health — and afraid of injury.
One of the main causes of on-the-job injuries is a result of being overworked.
When individuals get tired, they have a harder time performing their job duties. For example, they may use improper lifting technique while moving heavy boxes and injure their back. Furthermore, more time spent at work (including longer hours and shifts for many grocery workers) means more opportunities for an injury to occur.
Additionally, these workers are having to work with the threat of the coronavirus hanging over their heads. There’s the chance that they might become infected and be forced to miss work and potentially require medical treatment.
Right now, it may be difficult to bring and win a workers’ compensation claim that someone obtained coronavirus while on the job since the argument can be made that the worker could have contracted the disease elsewhere. While this may change if the legislature acts during the next session, for now it appears that getting coronavirus at work is not compensable.
If you have any questions about getting injured on the job, don’t hesitate to call the law offices of Gerber & Holder at 678-802-8650 — or contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Advocating for injured workers throughout the state of Georgia
