North Carolina Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog

Car accidents are the number one cause of on-the-job fatalities in the country.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), half of the federal workers who were killed on the job between 2002 and 2010 died in transportation accidents. During to 2003 fiscal year, there were close to 30 workers who were killed in work-related traffic accidents. Anothermore than 8,000 federal workers injured in these kinds of incidents.

Our Greensboro workers' compensation attorneys understand that our roadways are dangerous out there. Driving workers face the highest risks for car accidents. It's important that these workers are not overworked. When they're not given schedules conducive to proper rest, they face serious risks for drowsy driving car accidents and distracted driving accidents. It's important that employers make sure that workers are safe behind the wheel and that rules and regulations are in place to maximize safety.

Employers should require that all employers wear their seat belt during ever trip. As a matter of fact, seat belts can cut the risk of death in the event of an accident by nearly 50 percent for those in cars and by as much as 60 percent for those in SUVs and trucks. Each year, officials estimate that nearly 15,000 lives are saved every year because of seat belts. Each state in the U.S. has a law mandating seat belt use, employers should as well. Despite these efforts, about 20 percent of Americans still neglect to wear a seat belt.

Federal workers are required to wear seat belts during every trip. All others should be required, too! Employers should also require that cell phones be kept out of the driver's seat. Behind the wheel is no time to multitask and to deal with work-related business. It's a time to focus on safety and on driving. There should be a no cell phone policy enacted in all driving positions. Federal employees are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving a government vehicle. Your employer should have a similar policy.

Some of these accidents even involve semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. These can be some of the most catastrophic accidents. When these are involved in crashes -- fatalities usually result. It's important that these truck drivers are getting plenty of sleep and are not being over worked. For this reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted new Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These rules will be effective on July 1st of 2013.

Final HOS Rules:

-For every 8 hours behind the wheel, a driver must get at least a 30 minute rest break.

-Driving (or allowing a driver to drive) three or more hours beyond the driving-time limit may be considered an egregious violation and subject to the maximum civil penalties.

-Drivers are allowed to drive 11 hours in a row after a consecutive 10 hours off the clock.

-Driving time and records need to be kept in a log book and an electronic equivalent.

Continue reading "Traffic Accidents: Leading Cause of Work Fatalities" »

There are many reasons why young workers are injured or get sick on the job so often.

Most commonly, they work with unsafe equipment, they don't get the proper supervision, they work under pressure, they perform dangerous work that's illegal or inappropriate for youth under 18, they work under stressful conditions and they don't get the right safety training to complete the job.

One of the most important things that we can do in the workplace is make sure that our young ones are safe. Our Rock Hill workers' compensation lawyers understand that our teenage workers are the future of our workforce and it's important to keep them safe. In 2010, there were more than 325 young workers killed in the U.S. Another 110,000 of these young workers were injured on the job during the same year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Every 9 minutes, a teenager is injured on the job in the United States.

The truth of the matter is that most workplace accidents are completely preventable. The safety of the workplace is a joint effort between the employer and the employee. Both have key responsibilities in preventing these accidents. But what are these responsibilities?

A Worker's Responsibilities:

-To work in a safe workspace.

-To get the health and safety training provided in a language that can be easily understood.

-To be able to ask questions, regardless of what they pertain to.

-To be trained on safety gear that is required on the work site. This gear can include ear plugs, goggles and safety hats.

-To exercise your workplace safety rights without fear or the act of discrimination or retaliation.

-To file a complaint if they feel that there is a hazard on the job or a standard that their employer is not following.

An Employer's Responsibilities:

-To provide a work area that is free of serious and recognizable dangers.

-To follow all of OSHA's health and safety standards.

-To make sure that all workers are provided with the proper (and required) safety equipment.

-To inform employees of where to get health and safety information/answers.

-To inform workers of what to do if they experience an on-the-job accident.

How Can You Stay Safer on the Job?

-Make sure that you report any unsafe work conditions. Report these concerns to your supervisor/manager/shift leader.

-Be sure that you're always wearing the required safety equipment.

-Follow all safety rules and regulations.

-Ask questions if you have them!

-If you need help -- ASK!

There needs to be open communication between the worker and the employer. Safety is a joint effort and everyone needs to be on board. It's important that we talk with our younger workers about what they can expect in the workplace and what is expected of them. Start them off with a thorough understanding of this and help them to ensure a safe lifetime of work.

Continue reading "Keeping Young Workers Safe on the Job in North Carolina" »

Each and every year, there are about 6,000 workers who die as a result of workplace injuries.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor (DOL) another 50,000 die from illnesses that are caused by exposure to workplace hazards. It gets even worse. There are another 6 million who suffer non-fatal injuries too, which cost the country close to $150 billion yearly.

Our Asheville workers' compensation lawyers understand that many of these workplace accidents, injuries and fatalities are in fact completely preventable. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, "to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources."

There have even been some states that have decided to enact occupational heath and safety laws. These states push their own set of standards that are meant to be as "effective" as federal law. The problem is in the enforcement. While the laws may be in place, employers and enforcers don't always abide. And that's where we get so many work accidents, injuries and deaths.

Who is the Act supposed to cover?

It's supposed to cover all workers (except those who are self employed and those who are considered public employees in both local and state governments). Agencies that are covered by other federal regulations do not count, like some agencies of the Department of Transportation and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

What are an Employer's Responsibilities?

Employers are required to make sure that all equipment and tools are properly maintained. This includes the personal protective equipment that is required to be provided to workers. Medical examinations must also be provided to deserving workers. Training and education is one of the most important things that an employer must provide an employee. That's why it's federally required for an employer to provide this for a worker. Companies and employers are also required to report any kind of accident that results in a death. They're also required to report any work accidents that land three or more employees in the hospital.

Additional Requirements of an Employer:

-To keep records of all work injuries, accidents, illnesses and more. This information must include the cause of the incident.

-An OSHA poster must be posted in a visible area. This poster should inform workers about their responsibilities and rights on the job.

-Workers are to be allowed access to their exposure and medical records.

-Employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees in any kind of way.

-Employers must abate cited violations within the prescribed period.

Even with all of these regulations in place, we're still seeing far too many workers injured and killed on the job. It's important that we keep an eye out for our personal safety while at work. Report any hazards or dangers to help to keep you and your coworkers safe!

Continue reading "State and Federal OSHA - A Question of Proper Enforcement " »

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) renewed the alliance with officials from the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).

This Alliance focuses on preventing the risks that are associated with slip, trip and fall accidents, especially for workers who perform their duties from such heights. The Alliance also works to address the safe usage of high-reach access equipment, like ladders and scaffolds that are commonly used in the window cleaning industry.

"We look forward to continuing our work with the IWCA to provide workplace training and education to help ensure that workers are aware of on-the-job hazards and reduce injuries," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels.

Our North Carolina workers' compensation lawyers understand that falls are a persistent danger found in nearly all occupational settings. A fall can happen when you're just walking around the office, it can happen when climbing a step stool or a ladder, or it can happen when scaling up the side of a building on a scaffold. The unfortunate truth of these kinds of accidents is that there were more than 600 workers killed in fall accidents to the same or lower level in 2009. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were another 213,000 people seriously injured in these kinds of accidents during the year. Many of these accidents, injuries and fatalities can be prevented with a little bit of awareness, educations and safety training and equipment!

Because of the frequency and the severity of these accidents, Alliance members are going to make training and education programs aimed at window cleaning contractors. These same efforts will also be focused on those working with solar panels. Current safety materials and all future material will be translated so that these safety tips and stats can be shared with those workers who speak Spanish -- which account for about half of the industry.

IWCA is a non-profit trade association that currently represents about 500 member companies around the world. These companies employ more than 10,000 people.

Fall injuries can result in quite the financial burden. Both workers' compensation and medical costs tally about $70 billion year in the country.

There are simple ways that you can help to reduce the risks of these kinds of accidents at your workplace. You should:

-Make sure that all floors in work areas in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition.

-Make sure that all employees are trained in a language that they can understand.

-Make sure that all workers are provided with the proper personal protective equipment. This should cost the employee nothing.

-Whenever working from a runway, an elevated floor or a sided platform, there should be a guard rail and toe-board around.

-Be sure to guard every floor hole into which an employee can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover).

Continue reading "Window Washing Accidents Target of Partnership" »

The Alliance between the Airline Ground Safety Panel and officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been renewed. This Alliance works to reduce the risks of on-the-job accidents, injuries and fatalities for those who work with the operation of aviation ground support equipment.

The Airline Ground Safety panel is a labor partnership with industry that is made up of 11 airline companies as well as 3 unions. Employed and represented by this organization is close to 400,000 workers, accounting for about 85 percent of the industry.

"We look forward to working with the panel to educate and train employers and workers on preventing workplace injuries," said David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Our Charlotte workers' compensation lawyers understand that the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is the 6th busiest airport in the world, as of 2010 and based on traffic movements.

It used to be called the Charlotte Municipal Airport, but was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport after former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr. in 1954. Because this is such a busy airport, there are many workers who we can thank for helping to make it run as smoothly as it does -- each and every day. Without these hard workers, there would be no airport. Unfortunately, these employees are at serious risks for accidents, injuries and fatalities. They run the risks of fall accidents, transportation accidents and other injuries on the job -- some even severe enough to cause disability or death.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 700 workers who died at work after being struck by equipment or objects. Another 700 die in fall accidents. Airline support workers are at some of the highest risks for both of these kinds of accidents. Many of these accidents can be completely prevented, too! It's important for an employer to take the proper safety precautions to make sure that all employees are protected on the job.

The renewed Alliance will be working over the next 2 years to help to reduce the risks of these accidents. There will be new fact sheets and information material targeting these kinds of accidents, in addition to the risks associated with pushback trucks, high-lift tugs and other equipment for ground safety.

Common Airport Work Accidents Can Include:

-Injuries that result from falling objects.

-Carbon Monoxide Injuries.

-Baggage tug and cart accidents.

-Vehicle accidents.

-Belt-loader injuries and accidents. These include caught-between accidents and amputation injuries.

-Lifting injuries.

-Struck by equipment accidents.

When you're injured on the job, you want to make sure that you're getting the best treatment available. When a worker feels like they're being pushed to a specific treatment option by an employer or their workers' compensation insurance company, talking with an attorney is their best option. The treatment that you get can affect you for a lifetime.

Continue reading "Carolina Airport Accidents - Ground Crew at High Risk " »

Generators are used on many work sites across the nation. While they're convenient and help to make many workdays a lot easier, they can also come with a slew of risks that can seriously injure or kill users.

Portable generators are internal combustion engines that are used to create electricity where none is available. These devices are key when remote or temporary power is needed. They're commonly used during recovery and cleanup efforts after disasters. You better believe that a slew of people, both workers and residents, will be using generators to clean up the mess left by Hurricane Sandy.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the most common causes of injury and death from generators include electrocution and shocks when they're not used properly or are improperly connected to various structures, like trailers, shops, offices and residences.

Our Asheville workers' compensation lawyers understand that there are specific safe work practices that need to be carried out when using these devices. Employers are required to make sure that these practices are followed and that each employee is trained in how to use these devices, how to spot hazards, how to correct these hazards and what to do in the event of an emergency. One of the first things that should be done in these situations is making sure that these generators are properly maintained and are operated in accordance with the manufacturer's use and safety instructions.

These devices aren't only used by workers either. Many of the homes in the area have a backup generator out in their garage. It comes in handy when disaster strikes, whether from large power mishaps or from natural disasters -- like Hurricane Sandy. Whether you work with a generator or not, it's a good idea for you to review the following safety tips below and share them with friends and family -- really anyone who uses a generator.

More Safe Work Practices:

-No one should ever attach a generators directly to the electrical system of a trailer, office or home, unless the generator has a correctly installed open-transition switch.

-Only manufacturer cords should be used when plugging in appliances to the generator. All tools and appliances should be plugged directly into the generator.

-Make sure you use extension cords that have a grounding conductor, are heavy duty and are 3-wire flexible cords.

-All generators and connected equipment should be inspected before, during and after use.

-Make sure that you're using the proper ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) as the manufacturer instructs.

-Never use underrated cords. You want to use cords that use heavier gauge wires.

-Never attach appliances that have any frayed cords.

-When possible, your best bet is to use battery-operated tools.

According to federal standards with OSHA, the frame of a generator that is portable does not need to be grounded (connected to the ground) and the frame can serve as the ground.

Continue reading "North Carolina Work Safety: Generator Safety Risks" »

You've heard all the talk about asbestos. You commonly hear about it being in the drywall in residential homes. But do you ever stop to think about how it got there or about the workers who were at risk for exposure when they were installing the stuff. In these cases, many of these workers were unaware that they are working with asbestos. Many times, the repercussions of the dangerous material doesn't appear until years later.

Asbestos is the name that has been given to a group of naturally occurring materials that are used in products like vehicle brakes and building materials. What these materials do is resist corrosion and heat. Asbestos includes amosite, chrysotile, tremolite asbestos, acticolite asbestos and anthophyllite asbestos. These materials have been chemically altered and treated with additional chemicals, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Our Asheville workers' compensation attorneys understand that the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause some serious diseases in the lungs and other vital organs. Many times, these diseases are not detected until years later. Most asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eye. If you're a smoker, you're at higher risks for developing asbestos-related diseases.

How much asbestos can be in a work area?

According to federal standards, worker exposure must not go over 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air over an 8-hour work day. When workers are exposed short-term, the levels can't be more than 1 fiber per cubic centimeter for more than 30 minutes at a time. Oftentimes, employers will rotate employees in these conditions to get the work done faster. That's not allowed!

What compliance methods must employers use to control asbestos exposure?

They are required to control exposure to or below the PELs using engineering controls and work practices to the extent feasible. Where these kinds of engineering controls and practices don't do enough to make sure that workers are not overexposed, employers are required to reduce a worker's exposures to the lowest levels that can be achieved and then make sure that they are using the respiratory protection to meet and go below the PELs.

Which employers are federally required to provide concerning medical examinations to at-risk workers?

Employers in the shipyard and the construction industry are required to provide medical exams to workers who, for 30 days or more a year, engage in Class I, II or III work or work in exposure levels exceeding a PEL. Make sure you're getting the exams you need if you work in these conditions. Detection is key in preventing lifelong disabilities and even death.

Employers are required to make sure that all workers have the proper protective clothing. For all workers who are exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos that exceed the federal limits, employers are required to provide and require that employees wear the proper protective clothing, like foot coverings, gloves, head covers and other full-body clothing. These workers are to be provided with vented goggles, face shields and other protective equipment where there is the possibility of eye irritation. Employers must also require that these workers wear this equipment.

Continue reading "Asbestos: A Ticking Time Bomb for Employees" »

There are a lot of dangers on the job that you might never think about.

Not only might you not think about them, but some you can't even see, taste or smell. We're talking about carbon monoxide. According to officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can is frequently linked to accidental death -- both at home and in the workplace.

You can inhale carbon monoxide and never even know about it. This is a serious threat that may be one of the hardest to detect. Ultimately, accidents, injuries and fatalities involving carbon monoxide can be prevented with the right safety tools and procedures in place. This is particularly important as we head into the colder months, as generators and kerosene heaters are among the most common causes of such tragedies.

Our workers' compensation attorneys understand that carbon monoxide is a common industrial danger that comes from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material that contains carbon. Some of these materials include oil, propane, wood, coal, kerosene and gasoline. These gases can come from coke ovens, blast furnaces, forges and most commonly internal combustion engines.

So how does carbon monoxide harm you?

It's harmful when you breathe it in because is displaces oxygen in the blood and does not allow the brain, heart and other vital organs to get the proper amount of oxygen. When you inhale large amounts of this gas, you can lose consciousness within minutes and even die.

The only warning signs that you're going to get is maybe some tightness in the chest, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and maybe a headache, but it happens so quickly, it may be too late before you diagnose the problem.

Some people are at higher risks, too. These groups include younger people, elderly workers, those with medical conditions and those working at high altitudes.

Luckily, carbon monoxide poisoning can be reversed if you catch it early enough. But even if you're lucky enough to recover, even the smallest amount of poisoning can have some lasting effects.

Those who work in petroleum refineries, warehouses, breweries, boiler rooms, paper and pulp production and even in steel production are at high risks for these incidents.

Safety Steps to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

-Make sure the work area has the proper ventilation system.

-Make sure that equipment that produces carbon monoxide is kept in good working order.

-Don't allow gas-powered engines in small work spaces and even in larger work areas that are not properly ventilated.

-Make sure workplaces with these gases have carbon monoxide monitors. Check to make sure that all carbon monoxide monitors have audible alarms.

-Test work areas regularly for the gas. This is especially important in confined work areas.

-Make sure respirators are available and workers are trained in their operation.

-Post emergency contact information in the workplace.

-Be sure that all employees are educated about the sources and the conditions that might result in carbon monoxide poisoning in addition to the symptoms and the control of exposure to the dangerous gas.

Continue reading "Works Accidents & Carbon Monoxide: An Undetectable Killer" »

Our Rock Hill workers' compensation lawyers have been discussing fire safety lately. We talked about fire safety for your home on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog and now we're talking about it on our North Carolina Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog.

You see, National Fire Prevention Week just passed and while that campaign focused on household fires, it's important to remember that workplace fires and explosions are a real threat, too.

According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), workplace fires and explosions account for close to 5 percent of all workplace deaths each year. That might not sound like a lot to you, but it's a significant amount of accidents, injuries and fatalities that can be prevented with safer work practices. The truth of the matter is that fire safety is adequately addressed by OSHA in specific standards for recordkeeping, the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, gear certification, and the construction industry.

What's most important is that each workplace has a fire prevention plan. Although only specific workplaces are required to have these plans by OSHA, it's important that all employers work to protect employees and have an effective plan in place. These plans need to be written down, need to be kept in the workplace and need to be made available for employees to review whenever needed. If you're an employer is less than 10 workers, then you're allowed to verbalize this plan, according to OSHA.

A Fire Prevention Plan Must Have:

-A list of all of the fire hazards on the job.

-A list of how to handle and store dangerous materials o the job.

-A list of potential ignition sources and how to control them.

-A list of the equipment that is needed in the event of a fire hazard.

-A list of procedures for how to control accumulations of combustible and flammable materials.

-A list of regular procedures used to make sure that equipment is safe guarded and that risks for accidental ignitions are eliminates.

-The name and the positions of workers who are responsible for making sure that equipment is taken care of and hazards are eliminated.

-The name and the positions of workers who are responsible for controlling fuel source dangers.

Employees should also know how to report a fire. They should know the evacuation plan and what their role is during the evacuation. Information for all employees should be checked following an evacuation to make sure that everyone is accounted for. Employees must be designated to contact the proper authorities regarding the incident. It's also an employer's responsibility to make sure that the plan is reviewed periodically to make sure it's keeping up with workplace changes. When changes are made, it's critical for employers to alert employees.

Fire and explosion safety on the job is a group effort. Everyone needs to be on the same page and procedures need to be clearly communicated to all parties involved.

Continue reading "Fires: A Real Workplace Threat" »

Developers, students and anyone else who's good with a computer has been invited by the U.S. Department of Labor to enter the Workplace Safety and Health Challenge.

Officials are looking for a tool that can help to effectively demonstrate the importance of recognizing and working to prevent on-the-job dangers for young people across the country. Safety advocates are also asking designers to help young workers to understand their rights in the workplace. If you want to enter, all you have to do is create a tool that can be used on smartphones and Internet browsers, or even one just for social media platforms. You have until the 30th of November to do so. You can make this a game, you can make it an app, or you can make it a social game.

"New technologies have the promise of making our safety and health resources even more accessible for workers and employers," said the assistant secretary of labor OSH, Dr. David Michaels.

Our Greensboro workers' compensation lawyers understand how critical it is to make sure that our young workers are well aware of their rights and their responsibilities on the job. All too often, these workers are hesitant to speak up about work and safety concerns in fear of causing a commotion or being disciplined. The truth of the matter is that voicing these kinds of concerns should be encouraged. Employers are not allowed, federally, to take disciplinary actions against an employee for discussing safe work practices and other similar topics.

In 2010, there were close to 18 million workers who were under the age of 24 in the U.S. These workers account for close to 15 percent of the workforce nationwide. These workers are also at some serious risks for work accidents because of their inexperience and their unfamiliarity with their rights. In 2009, there were close to 400 workers under the age of 24 who were killed because of injuries sustained on the job. Close to 50 of these fatalities involved workers who were under the age of 18. In addition to these fatalities, there were another 800,000 young workers injured on the job during this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Each Submission for the Worker Safety and Health Challenge Must:

-Demonstrate the importance of being educated in workplace health and safety hazards.

-Inform these young workers about common hazards that can be found on the job.

-Inform young employees about the consequences of on-the-job injuries.

-Youth work accident, injuries and fatalities statistics from OSHA.

-Must address state workers' compensation programs and/or other government sources.

Make sure you talk with your teen about their rights on the job. Being an educated worker can help to reduce your risks of a work accident and can help to make the workplace safer!

Continue reading "Contest for New Technology to Inform Young Workers" »

Close to $11 million has been awarded through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. More than 70 non-profit organizations will be receiving these funds, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

All of this money is being used to help to provide education and training for workers and employers across the nation. The focus of this program is to get our workforce to recognize, avoid and prevent work safety and health dangers. The program also works to help to educate workers across the country about their federally mandated rights and the responsibilities through the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

There have even been a number of organizations in North Carolina that have been chosen to receive a portion of these funds, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Telamon Corp. and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. These organizations are receiving money as Capacity Building Developmental Follow-on grants.

Our Charlotte workers' compensation attorneys understand that this program is targeting small-businesses and low-literacy, underdeserved workers who are employed in high-hazard industries. There have been nearly 2 million workers who have had the opportunity to receive training through this program since 1978.

Hilda L. Solis, the Secretary of Labor says that the Department of Labor is shifting its focus to make sure that employees and employers have the education and training materials that they need to help to eliminate serious workplace dangers. This is one of the most beneficial ways to help to keep workers safe across the country.

Now, workers in some of the most dangerous industries will be provided with the knowledge and the tools that they need to point out hazards on the job, and will be provided with the skills and the resources that they need to eliminate many risks. It's a proactive approach.

There will be more than 15 organizations that will be given more than $1.5 million in grants to help to create education and training materials. OSHA is asking that their safety and health topics be addressed in these training and education seminars.

Even More Funds:

-Close to $790,000 has been awarded to 7 organizations for Capacity Building Developmental grants. This money is expected to institutionalize organizational capacity to help to provide health and safety training.

-More than $8 million in follow-up grants have been awarded to 50 grantees. These grantees exemplified satisfactory work practices last year.

From October of 2011 through September of 2011, there were close to 100 workplace fatalities in the state of North Carolina. Most of them happened on a Wednesday. The most dangerous month was August according to the North Carolina Department of Labor.

What might be most important of these grants and programs is that they provide real, hands-on training for workers. Each year, there are thousands of workers who are killed on the job in the United States. The unfortunate truth is that many of these accidents are completely preventable. The problem is that many workers are not properly trained or educated in safety procedures or preventive measures. This kind of training, through the programs available with these grants, can help reduce the risks of work accidents nationwide.

Continue reading "OSHA Steps Up Training and Education Programs Nationwide" »

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mohawk Industries Inc. has recently agreed to upgrade its fire protection measures at four of its locations.

Mohawk is a carpet manufacturer that's based out of our neighboring state of Georgia. The recent agreement comes after a number of citations that were issued by OSHA safety officials in July of last year. The four facilities that will be upgraded are located in Texas, Connecticut, and in two are in Georgia. These locations are all responsible for manufacturing carpet pads. They do this by breaking down, mixing and re-bonding recycled polymer foam. This is a process that comes with some serious explosion risks.

"Companies that put the health and safety of workers first should be recognized for their investments in human capital, our nation's most precious resource," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSH.

Our Greensboro workers' compensation attorneys understand that there were more than 4,600 people injured on the job in the United States in 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Of these fatalities, close to 150 were the result of fires and explosions. The truth of the matter is that these events are largely preventable. The effects of accidental explosions and fires can be devastating in terms of workers' lives lost, workers injured, to the company involved, to the community and damage to the work site and to the environment. When you have to work with flammable solids, gases, dusts and liquids, there are strict safety procedures that everyone should know and should be following. Knowledge and preparation are your keys in staying safe on the job. Hazards much be handled before they handle you!

After OSHA officials investigated Mohawk's facilities, they discovered that there were four serious violations pertaining to various electrical hazards, ungraded floors and dangerous dusts. Now, the company has agreed to bring in a certified fire and explosion engineer to take a look at the place and to make the proper changes to help to ensure the safety of everyone. The company has also agreed to schedule cleanup times so that the polymer foam dust can be removed from the work area. Employees will also be retrained in safety procedures and inspections on workplace safety will be conducted every month.

How Dangerous is Your Workplace?

-Are there hazardous properties of the substances you use?

-Are they stored correctly and safely?

-Are there any chances of hazardous explosive atmospheres?

-Are there any ignition sources nearby?

-Are the contractor and subcontractor fire safety plans compatible?

-Is your workplace safety plan properly maintained/updated?

-Are you practicing your fire and explosion emergency plan regularly on the job?

Around the world, Mohawk is in charge of keeping close to 30,000 workers safe!

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (DOL), explosions and fires account for close to 5 percent of all of the work fatalities in the U.S.

Continue reading "Mohawk Cited for Explosion Dangers by OSHA Officials" »

There are close to 20 million workers in the United States who are under the age of 25.

According to Challenge.gov, these young workers account for less than 20 percent of the country's workforce. Yet in 2009 there were close to 400 workers between the ages of 13 and 24 who died because of injuries sustained while at work. There were also another 80,000 injuries required medical attention sustained on the job by these young employees.

The truth of the matter is that the rate of emergency room-treated work injuries is twice as high for workers under the age of 25 than for workers who are older. Workers, especially our younger ones, need to be aware of the dangers, the risks and the hazards that can be found on their job site. They also need to be aware of what preventative and safety measures can be taken so that they can protect themselves.

Our Charlotte workers compensation attorneys understand that, many times, these workers aren't aware of their rights to a safe workplace. It's important that we help to make sure that our young workers are safe on the job and they know their rights. Knowledge is key to preventing work accidents.

Officials with the Department of Labor (DOL) are asking young workers to get involved. They are asking teens and young adults to find a way to get work safety information out to their peers. They're asked to use inforomation that is publicly available via the federal government. It's a new contest and it comes with some pretty cool prizes!

Contest Rules:

-Provide your submission with tools that help to demonstrate just how important it is that you know about workplace safety and health dangers and hazards.

-This information should include educational materials to not only warn young workers about the dangers that can be found on the job, but the risks for injury and death that accompany these risks. Information from your state's State Worker's Compensation data, from NIOSH, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or from OSHA are required to be incorporated into your submission.

-You must address the importance of preventative measures, like personal protection equipment (PPE) and other engineering controls.

-Provide tools that will help young workers to better understand their rights on the job.

-Submissions are asked to be creative and simple to use. They're also asked to be cited and should target the ages of 13 to 24, but should also be able to effectively communicate the same information to workers of all ages.

There will be four prizes awarded, totaling more than $30,000. There will be 1 Grand Price, 2 Category Prices and 1 People's Choice Award.

Contest and programs like this are so important because our young working population faces some serious risks for accidents.

Continue reading "Work Accidents and Educating Younger Workers in the U.S." »

It seems like everything is open 24-hours a day. Convenience stores might be some of the most popular of these establishments. They might also be some of the most dangerous, especially for the workers.

The truth of the matter is that employers are to take steps to help to protect their employees. Our Charlotte workers compensation attorneys urge employers to take some simple safety precautions to protect workers -- safety precautions that can save lives. Some of these steps might be to make sure that there are safe parking lots, safe lighting, security cameras and even an alarm system. It's also important that no one is working alone at night. When you think about it, there are actually some common-sense resolutions to help to reduce the risks of a robbery at these convenience stores.

A good question for a store owner to ask is 'do the rewards of staying open all night outweigh the risks that are associated with operating during this time?' Unfortunately, this is a question that's oftentimes ignored until a robbery or another work accident happens. According to the latest stats, workers in convenience store are more likely to be the victim of a homicide or a robbery than any other job occupation other than taxi drivers.

In these kinds of incidents, it's oftentimes innocent and hard-working families that are impacted the most. Many of these workers come from low-income families and do not have the funds to deal with the repercussions. This is where an experienced attorney can often help. Experienced representation can help you to get the benefits that you deserve and the benefits that can help you to move forward from one of these devastating work incidents.

Although nothing can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, an attorney can help families in the wake of a fatal work incident. When you think about the costs, they add up quickly. You've got to deal with burial costs, which can run at least $8,000. The spouse of the victim is entitled to receive close to 70 percent of weekly pay, but no more than $500 a week and with a cap of $150,000. The children of a worker who has been killed on the job are also entitled to death benefits. They can receive these benefits until they're 21-years-old if they're enrolled in college. The average cost of a robbery, one single event that's categorized as workplace violence, is about $300,000 in damages.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, convenience store robberies account for close to 10 percent of all of the robberies that are reported to police officers. There are some locations that are at higher risks that other, too.

If you're ever the victim of a robbery, you're urged to not resist. When you try to fight back, you face higher risks for injury and fatal violence.

Continue reading "Convenience Stores Robberies and Work Injuries in North Carolina" »

The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report an increase in the number of Hispanic and Latino workers who are killed on the job. In fact, government statistics released last week for 2011 show that those from Mexico represented more than 40 percent of fatally injured foreign-born workers killed on the job last year.

Our Hickory workers' compensation attorneys continue to publish a review of the nation's work-injury data as we discuss ways employers and employees can better prevent serious and fatal work accidents.

More than 700 workers of Hispanic or Latino heritage have been killed in U.S. work accidents in each of the last two years. Nationwide, a total of 4,609 workers were killed on the job in 2011 -- meaning about 1 in 6 was foreign born.

And, while the overall number of workplace fatalities has decreased by 20 percent in recent years, the number of fatal work accidents involving Hispanic workers has increased by 20 percent. As a result, theOccupational Safety & Health Administration continues to make Hispanic outreach a priority.

Construction accidents are among the leading causes of death for these workers. Latino workers comprise more than one-third of all construction workers, according to federal statistics. Following its National Action Summit for Latino Workers Health and Safety in 2010, OSHA continues to implement a number of outreach strategies aimed at increasing Latino knowledge of workplace rights.

Statistics show that Latino workers continue to be at increased risk of fall accidents, particularly in the construction field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an average of 40 workers are killed by falls from residential roofs each year -- and about one-third of those are Latino workers who often lack basic safety information or protective gear.

"Fall protection saves lives," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "There are effective means available to protect residential construction workers from falls. We applaud the court's decision upholding this updated, commonsense directive."

Fatal 2011 Work Accidents by Race:

White: 3,257
Hispanic: 729
Black: 433
Asian: 113
Native American: 29

Men still account for the vast majority of fatal work accidents -- 3,594 deaths last year compared to 1,015 deaths among women. Those ages 45-54 accounted for the most fatal accidents, although statistics show fatal accidents are increasing among younger workers and decreasing among older workers -- possibly in response to the massive downsizing and buyouts witnessed during the Great Recession.

Fatal Work Accidents by Age 2011:

Under 16: 10
16-20: 360
20-24: 288
25-34: 704
35-44: 858
45-54: 1,207
55-64: 911
Over 65: 558

Foreign-born workers have the same rights to a safe workplace as those born in the United States. Too often, employers take advantage of a foreign worker's ignorance of the law and their lack of understanding regarding workplace rights. When a serious or fatal work accident occurs, a workers' compensation attorney should be contacted -- not only to protect the rights of the injured worker, but to help ensure a company is not needlessly endangering other employees.

Continue reading "Mexican Workers at Increased Risk of Carolina Work Injuries " »