Saint Paul Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Each day, workers across Minnesota are injured in workplace accidents or suffer from conditions owing to their on-the-job activities, resulting in workers' compensation claims. Workers' compensation laws were implemented so that workers would not have to file suit against their employers to receive compensation for their work related injuries or occupational illnesses. Navigating the claim process can sometimes be complicated, though.

An Annandale, Minnesota man was recently injured when he fell from a bucket lift while servicing electrical light poles in the parking lot of a hospital in Alexandria. The lift he was using toppled over causing him to fall approximately 20 feet. He was treated in hospital's emergency room.

Electrical safety in the workplace is very important and it is up to employers to make sure they train and educate workers on proper electrical safety practices to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. May is Electrical Safety Month and during this time, workplace safety advocates try to increase awareness to electrical safety issues in the workplace.

Electrical hazards in the workplace have increased during the last decade due to electrical power and electrical systems being used and generated more often. Electrical hazards can result in serious injuries and fatalities, which is why it is essential for employers to understand the hazards and take action to prevent electrical workplace injuries.

Farmers in Minnesota have a sense of pride in their work. Unfortunately, their safety on the job does not seem to be taken as seriously. A new report suggests that one farm worker is killed every day in the U.S. and hundreds of workers suffer injuries or illnesses due to farm work, according to the Center for Progressive Reform.

Why are farm accidents and injuries still so prevalent in Minnesota? Research shows that a majority of farm workers are not part of a union. In fact, 98 percent are non-union because of federal labor laws. This is one reason why workplace accidents are so common for farmers because unions are able to point out safety hazards as well as have a bigger impact on employers creating a safe workplace.

Construction workers face many hazards while on the job. One of the biggest risks for construction workers in Minnesota and throughout the country is working on highway construction projects. More than 37,000 workers are injured in highway work zones every, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Worse, over 500 workers are killed annually in work zone accidents.

To address the safety hazards construction workers face on the road, work safety organizations are promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week this week. The safety awareness week aims to promote safe driving behaviors among motorists driving through construction work zones, and also encourages construction supervisors to focus on reducing safety hazards for workers.