Archive for January, 2019

Fatal Construction Accidents More Likely In Small Companies

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorneyConstruction work is dangerous across the board, but some construction workers are in more danger than others. The data shows that the number of workers employed by a construction company can make a significant difference when it comes to safety.  

In a 2018 quarterly report published by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), small construction companies – that is, companies with no more than 19 employees – experienced about 67 percent of all construction-related fatalities in 2016. 

Why does this happen? As a rule, smaller construction companies may require their workers to exert themselves to excess while taking on large construction projects. Additionally, smaller companies may be more likely to cut costs and time by ignoring safety procedures and guidelines. In both instances, workers are put at a higher risk of being fatally injured. 

A deeper dive into the findings

From 2011 to 2016, the most common fatal construction accidents, coined “The fatal four” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), included: 

  • Falls to lower levels: Involves falling from scaffolds, ladders, and other heights. Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 61.5 percent of these fatal accidents. 
  • Struck by accidents: Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 32.8 percent of fatal accidents involving workers being struck by equipment and debris. 
  • Electrocutions: Electrocution deaths on construction sites are often caused by exposed wires or wires in contact with water. Companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 55.6 percent of these fatal accidents. 
  • Caught-in/between accidents: Involves being caught in or between equipment or structures. Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 44.9 of these fatal accidents. 

During that same time period, construction companies with no more than 10 employees had the majority of fatal accidents in certain subsectors. These include: 

  • Residential building: 77.6 percent 
  • Siding contractors: 75.7 percent 
  • Framing contractors: 75 percent 
  • Painting and wall covering: 72.9 percent 
  • Roofing contractors: 70.7 percent 
  • Masonry contractors: 65.6 percent 
  • Drywall and insulation: 56.3 percent 
  • Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning: 52.1 percent 

Of course, fatal accidents happen at larger construction companies as well. Businesses of all sizes cut corners on safety. 

Injured on the job? Know your rights

Even when construction accidents aren’t fatal, they can leave workers with devastating injuries that can require months of medical treatment. X-rays, pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery aren’t cheap. You may wonder how you can afford to pay hefty medical expenses if you’re unable to work.  

Luckily, if you are injured on the job in Massachusetts – regardless of who’s at fault in most cases – you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This will cover your medical bills and partial wages you earned while at work. Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl today to get your claim started.

The Link Between Your Work Environment and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorneyHave you experienced stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in your joints? Perhaps the affected area feels warm or appears red? You may have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – an auto-immune disease that affects the hands, feet, elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips.  

You may be wondering how you sustained RA. According to a study on job-related arthritis, conducted by a doctoral student at the Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm Sweden, RA could be attributed to your work environment.  

Who is the most at risk?

When taking lifestyle factors into account, the study concluded that: 

  • Men who worked in manufacturing were at a greater risk of developing RA than men who worked in other professions.  
  • Electrical and electronic workers, as well as bricklayers, were twice as likely to develop RA due to their job conditions.  
  • Women who had jobs as assistant nurses and attendants were at a slightly higher risk of developing RA; however, women in manufacturing jobs were not.  

What are the environmental factors?

According to Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, RA can be triggered by environmental factors including insecticides, food and product chemicals, air pollution, and other harmful toxins. 

Another Swedish study found a link between crystalline silica exposure and a heightened risk of RA. Crystalline silica is a compound often used in manufacturing and construction. Those who work with cement, brick, asphalt, china, ceramics, and steel may be exposed to crystalline silica or silica dust. 

A 2008 study conducted in Libby, Montana found a link between asbestos exposure and RA among 1,672 vermiculite miners, millers, and workers handling amphibole fiber. The study concluded that the workers were 9.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with RA after 15 years. 

Eligibility for workers’ compensation

If you have developed RA or any other type of injury or illness, proving that it was caused by your work environment can be difficult. Without an experienced attorney on your side, the insurance companies that handle workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts could deny your claim.  

What’s worse, your condition could leave you out of work for a lengthy period of time. Medical treatment can be costly, and as you’re unable to collect a paycheck, your bills can pile up.  

That’s why it’s important that your rights are upheld. The legal team at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help you navigate the process and ensure that you are treated fairly. We’ll also fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.