Archive for June, 2019

Take workplace safety to new heights

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorneySome workplaces require employees to work on ladders, cranes and steel beams on high-rise buildings, which are certainly red flags for safety. What can also be a safety hazard at work are objects falling from above. Workplace heights are something that should be taken seriously when it comes to the safety of employees, as well as anyone else in the area.

For example, in April, a crane fell in Seattle, killing four people and injuring others. Several years ago a worker on a high-rise dropped a tape measure from 50 stories and killed a passerby below.

Most common height-related hazards

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that being struck by falling objects or equipment resulted in 45,940 injuries in 2017, accounting for 5.2 percent of all workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), dropped objects are the third leading cause of injuries in construction.

In addition to dropped objects, workplace falls are a huge problem. BLS reported that in 2017, “fatal falls were at their highest level in the 26-year history of the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), accounting for 887 (17 percent) of worker deaths.”

How to improve height safety

EHS Today offers the following tips:

  • Employers need to follow best practices. That includes implementing the American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions (ANSI/ISEA 121-2018) developed by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), in conjunction with industry stakeholders.
  • Employers need to jettison the crass and counterproductive notion called “acceptable risk.”
  • Education is vital for improved safety. ISEA — in partnership with the National Association of Tower Erectors and The Associated General Contractors of America — launched SafetyAtHeights.org, an educational website.

At the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl, our team fights for construction workers and all others who have been injured on the job in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We believe that a successful case starts with building a strong, trusting relationship with our clients.

From your first call to your last court date and beyond, we work tirelessly to get you the care and compensation you so rightfully deserve. If you were injured at a job site, don’t wait. Contact us today. We’ll take care of the rest.

Best Ideas to Avoid Injuries in the Food Manufacturing Industry

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorneyIn 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers. Approximately 19,740 happened in the food manufacturing industry.

As the population increases, so does the demand for the food manufacturing industry. This demand places increased pressure on employees to work faster and more efficiently.

As production increases, employers must find effective ways to promote employee safety, including:

  • Understanding what usually causes workplace accidents
  • Implementing employee safety training
  • Maintaining oversight to remove or reduce workplace hazards
  • Regularly offering safety tips and reminders to workers

Injuries likely to occur in food manufacturing

The most common injuries to occur in the food manufacturing industry include:

  • Sprains and strains: Workers who perform repetitive and awkward motions for long stretches of time are at a heightened risk of sustaining sprains and strains. Tasks may include portioning, cutting, and operating machines and tools. The likelihood of sustaining sprains and strains can be reduced by performing warm-up exercises and stretches prior to a shift.
  • Slips and falls: Slippery floor surfaces caused by spilled oil, water, and other liquids can put workers at risk of slipping and falling. These accidents often result in sprains, muscle tears, bone fractures, and lacerations. Slipping hazards can be reduced by installing nonslip flooring, requiring workers to wear non-slip footwear, and clearing debris from floors.
  • Machine-related injuries: Workers who operate machinery could be at risk of coming in contact with sharp blades or having body parts stuck in a machine. This can result in serious cuts, lacerations, bone fractures, and amputations. Machine-related injuries can be reduced by implementing guards and covers on certain machine components, as well as lockout processes to prevent equipment from automatically turning on when being serviced.

Safety first

Adequate training is key for safety in the food manufacturing industry. Employers should focus on the following areas:

  • How to properly use machines and tools
  • How to properly cut, prepare, portion, and package food
  • How to work efficiently with others to avoid accidents
  • How to maintain a safe and clean workspace
  • How to spot and remove hazards

Taking these precautions can only reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring on the job. Accidents happen unexpectedly, and sometimes in the safest work environments. That’s why if you been hurt at work, it’s important that you consider your legal options when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim.

The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help guide you through the process and negotiate for a fair settlement. Contact us online today to get started. Consultations are free of charge.