Many people in Minnesota might be unaware that workplace injuries can be caused by insects and animals. This risk is more common during the warmer parts of the year and in outdoor workplaces, but pests can cause harm in virtually all environments. In addition to bites and scratches, wild creatures can also spread dangerous diseases, making it especially vital for employers and employees alike to know how to prevent and treat wildlife injuries.
Many workers’ compensation claims have centered around injuries caused by bees, ticks and venomous snakes.When work is done outside or performed in areas known to be populated by vermin such as spiders and rats, injuries caused by pests are foreseeable and therefore typically covered by many types of worker’s compensation insurance. Other diseases that can occur in certain working environments include anaphylactic shock, reactions to venom, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
If a worker is harmed by an insect or animal in a workplace where pests are not usually encountered, factors that affect compensation include previous infestations and how clean the work area is kept. Some courts have concluded that if no vermin has been found in a workplace, there can be no reasonable expectation of harm. To potentially reduce workers’ compensation costs, employers can be prepared by regularly checking for vermin and knowing how to treat injuries caused by their attacks.
When an employee suffers harm from an on-the-job injury, damages can range from lost income to medical expenses to long-term disability. Those who have suffered a workplace injury may want to work with an attorney who can assist with the process of filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.