The Latest Work-Related Threat to Animal Care and Service Workers
A career within the animal care or service industry can be extremely rewarding. After all, this nontraditional work experience involves an ever changing environment that is ideal for anyone who loves the creatures of the animal kingdom. However, following a passion for animals has long been able to result in tragic consequences at work. And sadly, Local 10 News recently published an account of yet another risk to animal workers.
The news outlet has asserted that four staffers employed at Zoo Miami have tested positive for COVID-19. Six other employees are already quarantining after possibly being in close contact with the sick workers. And with close to 500 workers employed at Zoo Miami and hundreds of guests visiting every day, the threat from the coronavirus outbreak is unlikely to be over any time soon.
What Kind of Jobs Can Pose a Risk?
Animal care and service workers are employed in many kinds of industries including at:
- Grooming facilities
- Animal shelters
- Pet stores
- Veterinary clinics
Many jobs that involve working around animals also involve some interaction with people as well. This, combined with the fact that animals have now been determined to be able to carry and transmit COVID-19, means that these workers are facing a heightened threat for the foreseeable future.
Workers’ Compensation for Animal Care and Service Workers
Generally speaking, injured workers, including those who work with animals, are typically entitled to compensation in the form of workers’ compensation benefits for any sort of illness or injury that was the direct result of his or her job. However, while most companies here in Florida are required to provide certain benefits or compensation if an injury is sustained on the job, that does not mean you will receive as much as you deserve or that your claim will be granted in the first place. Both employers and insurance companies are known for attempting to pay out the bare minimum to employees filing for benefits, or to try to avoid paying altogether. Because of this, many injured workers find it helpful to partner with a local workers’ compensation attorney.
What Workers in Every Industry Should Know About Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in the Workplace
Unfortunately, even workers who don’t work directly with animals can sometimes find themselves being injured as the result of one while working in the scope of employment. This scenario is typically most common among employees who spend a lot of time outdoors or those who frequently visit the homes of customers or clients in order to perform their work duties. If you find yourself sustaining injuries from a dog or other animal attack while working in the scope of employment, it is even more important that you obtain legal help as you may have additional options for holding a negligent animal owner responsible in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.