Injuries at work

John Demas — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:32:59 GMT

Each year, nearly 6,000 employees die from workplace injuries, while some 50,000 more die from illnesses caused by exposure to workplace hazards, according to The National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Additionally, more than 6 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries, which can cost businesses billions of dollars yearly.

Follow the steps outlined below to stay safe at work.

Preventing Work Related Accidents

Employees should properly use safety equipment at all times – based on industry standards – such as, but not limited to protective head gear, back brace, eye gear and more.

Be sure to devote your full attention to your job task, especially when physical lifting is involved. Many accidents could have been prevented had the employee been paying attention.

Back Injury Prevention

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Back injuries can be avoided by employing simple rules when lifting heavy objects. Never lift or move more than 20lbs by yourself. If lifting something from the floor, bend at the knees and use both hands which will help distribute the weight to your knees rather than straining your back.

Eye Injury Prevention

First and foremost is to wear protective eye equipment in industrial settings. Certain chemicals can cause damage to the eyes. In these instances, goggles should be worn.

The top causes of eye injuries include welding accidents, tools or machinery entering the eye, and bonding agents splashing onto the face.

Head Injury Prevention

Most often, head injuries are the result of a blow to the head, other head injuries are caused by falling, hitting the head or tripping. However, a proper hard hat can help prevent these injuries.

Hearing Injury Prevention

Wear hearing protective equipment such as ear muffs or plugs are essential. And have your hearing tested regularly.

Fall Injury Prevention

‘Falls’ are a fairly common workplace injury. Employees should be trained on the proper use of equipment. And equipment should be checked before each use.

Any repairs to climbing equipment, stairways, or light fixtures should be reported and fixed immediately.

Recognizing Work Related Injuries

Pain is your body’s immediate response to injury. If at any time you feel sudden pain, immediately discontinue work and notify your supervisor.

Certain jobs may lead to specific types of strain or injury as a result of repetitive motions. For instance, constant lifting can lead to a pulled muscle and/or back injury, so a back brace, as mentioned above, would be a good preventative measure.

Company Perspective on Injury Prevention

Employers should implement a safety prevention program as a requirement for new and existing employees - that follows laws required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Necessary safety equipment and first aid kits should be readily accessible. A good rule of thumb is one safety kit per every 30 employees.

Create safe work environments by identifying and fixing workplace hazards such as unstable surfaces and malfunctioning vehicles.

Most types of work carry some sort of danger. The best prevention is to be aware of the risks involved in your occupation and to stay alert in order to remain safe daily.

National Public Health Week is April 4-10^th 2011. The American Public Health Association (APHA) needs your help to educate Americans that "Safety is No Accident" – at home, work or play.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Demas

Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Deaths

John Demas — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:46:28 GMT

In many industries, workers regularly face the risk of suffering workplace injury, illness, and even death. While many injuries are minor, unsafe working conditions can lead to devastating losses. Earlier this month, a deadly explosion at a West Virginia coal mine killed twenty-nine workers. While the cause of the blast is under investigation, some suspect that the owner of the mine, Massey Energy Company, failed to adequately ventilate the mine, allowing noxious and highly combustible methane gas to build to dangerous levels. Although coal mines are regulated by a special agency, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”), most of us are already familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”).

OSHA oversees health and safety conditions in most workplaces. The agency compiles data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, and OSHA’s area offices to report workplace injury, illness, and fatality statistics both weekly and annually with categories based on industry and geographic region. Unfortunately, these figures can be quite high. Although not all incidents are preventable, it is important that workers recognize hazardous conditions in the workplace and demand safety to avoid sustaining any preventable injuries in the course of their work.

According to the fall 2009 Regulatory Plan, “OSHA’s regulatory program is designed to help workers and employers identify hazards in the workplace, prevent the occurrence of injuries and adverse health effects, and communicate with the regulated community regarding hazards and how to effectively control them.” Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards. Workers have the following rights under the Act:

1. Get training from their employers on chemicals and other safety and health hazards they are exposed to during work and how to protect themselves from harm;

2. Request information from their employer about OSHA standards, worker injuries and illnesses, job hazards, and workers’ rights;

3. Request action from their employer to correct hazards or violations;

4. File a complaint with OSHA if there are violations of OSHA standards or serious workplace hazards;

5. Be involved in OSHA’s inspection of their workplace;

6. Find out the results of an OSHA inspection;

7. Get involved in any meetings or hearing to discuss their employer’s objections to OSHA’s citations or to abatement deadlines;

8. File a formal appeal of deadlines for correction of hazards;

9. File a discrimination complaint;

10. Request a research investigation on possible workplace health hazards; and

11. Provide comments and testimony to OSHA during rulemaking on new standards.

Although many employers will correct known violations promptly, you need to take active steps to ensure your own safety. If there are hazardous conditions, make sure your employer knows about them. If your employer is aware of the conditions and fails to correct them, bring the violations to the attention of OSHA or another regulatory body that can enforce health and safety standards at your workplace. You can file complaints to OSHA in person, by telephone, by fax, by mail, or electronically through the United States Department of Labor online complaint form.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Demas

Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer - Workplace Injuries

Injuries at work

Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Deaths