South Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Clean Energy Workers
Learn about the risks for renewable energy workers as well as the steps to get workers’ comp benefits in SC
South Carolina is at the forefront of the nation’s transition to renewable energy, with booming solar and wind industries. While this growth is vital for a sustainable future, it also brings new challenges, particularly in terms of workplace safety. As the demand for clean energy surges, so does the risk of injuries for workers in this sector.
Fortunately, those who suffer work-related injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to aid in their recoveries. This article will explore the various risks and common injuries faced by clean energy workers, outline their rights to benefits, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to file a claim.
If you have additional questions or need assistance negotiating with your employer’s insurance company to ensure you get the full benefits you deserve, schedule a free consultation with our Columbia work injury attorneys.
Is clean energy a growing industry?
Yes. In 2022, the clean energy sector in the United States experienced significant growth, adding approximately 127,000 jobs. This increase accounted for more than 3% of all new jobs in the country. Notably, clean energy now employs over 40% of all energy workers in the United States.
The same trend is happening in South Carolina as well. In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that clean energy jobs in South Carolina will increase significantly through 2030.
In 2020, nearly 3,300 state residents held positions in solar energy, 1,630 had jobs in wind energy, nearly 700 held battery storage positions, and 1,225 held jobs in energy efficiency. These jobs are projected to double by 2025 and increase even more by 2030.
What jobs does renewable energy create?
Renewable energy is a rapidly expanding sector that creates diverse job opportunities across various fields:
- In solar energy, workers include installers who set up solar panels, engineers who design solar systems, and sales representatives who market these systems to consumers.
- Geothermal energy requires technicians for system maintenance, geologists to identify resource sites, and drilling operators to access geothermal resources.
- In hydroelectric energy, roles include plant operators who manage daily operations, environmental scientists who assess ecological impacts, and civil engineers who design dam structures.
- Bioenergy jobs involve biochemical engineers developing biofuels, agricultural technicians managing bioenergy crops, and process technicians operating production equipment.
- Wind energy jobs consist of technicians who maintain and repair wind turbines, structural engineers who design turbine structures, and meteorologists who analyze weather patterns to optimize wind farm locations.
Additionally, the sector offers positions in energy storage and grid integration, such as battery engineers, grid specialists, and data analysts, alongside research and policy roles that advance renewable energy technologies and adoption.
Common hazards and injuries for clean energy workers
Renewable energy workers face various hazards across different sectors, each presenting unique safety challenges. Below are some common hazards and the resulting injuries associated with renewable energy jobs:
- Slips, trips, and falls. Workers who install solar panels maneuver in tight spaces, sometimes filled with clutter. This can cause slip and fall accidents that lead to injuries to the back, knees, ankles, arms, or head.
- Falls from heights. Workers who install or repair solar panels or wind turbines can fall from a ladder, roof, or other elevated surface and suffer severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding.
- Electrical accidents. Solar energy and wind energy jobs often involve working with high-voltage systems, increasing the risk of electrical shocks, burns, and even fatalities.
- Confined spaces. Maintenance tasks within turbines or other machinery often require entry into confined spaces, posing risks of suffocation, entrapment, or exposure to hazardous gasses.
- Mechanical hazards. Moving parts within turbines, such as gears and rotors, pose risks of crush injuries, broken bones, and amputations if proper safety protocols are not followed.
- Chemical exposure. Workers handling biofuels or biogas production processes may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, resulting in chemical burns, respiratory issues, or cancer and other long-term health effects from chronic exposure.
- Ergonomic strains. Repeated lifting, bending, and awkward postures during installation can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, including back strain and repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Transportation accidents. Workers often travel to remote or offshore sites, increasing the risk of work-related vehicle accidents and injuries like concussions and whiplash.
- Drowning risks. Workers in hydroelectric plants face drowning hazards, especially during maintenance or construction work near water sources or within dam structures.
Fortunately, most clean energy workers who suffer these and other job-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more while they recover.
Understanding the Types of
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Learn what benefits injured SC workers are entitled to so you understand how much your claim is worth.
What are my rights if I’m injured on the job as a clean energy worker in SC?
In South Carolina, most employers with 4 or more full- or part-time employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance.
This is no-fault insurance, which means that eligible employees can receive workers’ comp benefits without having to prove their employer was at fault for their accident or injury. In fact, in most cases, workers can receive benefits even if the accident that led to the injury was their own fault.
However, workers don’t automatically receive benefits. They need to file a claim to start the process and be able to prove that the injury, illness, or occupational disease was a direct result of their job duties or work environment to qualify for benefits.
While this can be fairly simple to do with injuries that occur in front of co-workers from one-time accidents like falls or electrocutions, the process can be more complicated with injuries like tendonitis or lung diseases like asthma that occur over time and might have multiple potential causes.
In such cases, it’s wise to consult a local Columbia workers’ compensation attorney early on in the process to help gather evidence to strengthen your claim.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim in South Carolina?
Filing a workers’ compensation (WC) claim after an injury, illness, or disease related to clean energy work in South Carolina involves several important steps:
- Seek emergency medical care. After an injury, your first priority should be to seek the necessary medical attention. This not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a medical record that links your injury to your job. Documentation from an employer-approved doctor is crucial for your claim.
- Report the accident to your employer. You must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. In most cases, a written report is required within 90 days of the incident. Failing to notify your employer within this timeframe could result in your claim being denied.
- Ensure your employer files a claim. After receiving your injury report, your employer is responsible for filing a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance provider and notifying the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If your employer refuses to file the claim on your behalf, you can file it yourself by submitting Form 50 to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If your employer does not file your claim or if your claim is denied, it’s advisable to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They can provide legal guidance, protect your rights, and help navigate the appeals process if necessary.
Injured as a clean energy worker in Columbia?
We can help!
If you’re a clean energy worker in South Carolina who’s been injured on the job, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Navigating the workers’ compensation claim process can be complex, especially if you have suffered a serious injury or if your claim is denied due to issues like a pre-existing condition or lack of evidence.
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, our skilled Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. Whether you need assistance in gathering evidence, filing an appeal, or negotiating with insurance companies, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
References
Clean Jobs America 2023.. (2023, September 13). E2. https://e2.org/reports/clean-jobs-america-2023/
South Carolina’s Clean Energy Jobs Potential Through 2030. (2024). Nrel.gov. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy22osti/82215.pdf
