OSHA reported that fatal workplace accidents and injuries involving temporary workers accounted for 12 percent of all fatal work injuries reported in 2011. They reported that out of the total 4,693 workplace fatalities, 542 of the victims were temporary workers.
]]> Why do temporary workers in Minnesota and throughout the U.S. have a higher risk of being killed on the job? OSHA reported that many companies who use temporary or contract workers do not properly train them about potential workplace hazards. In addition, since companies don't have to worry as much about being liable for workplace injuries involving temporary workers, they don't take the time or resources to keep these workers safe.OSHA recently reported that many temporary workers who suffer fatal workplace injuries often occur during their first few days on the job, showing that these workers are not trained about safety hazards and what precautions to take to prevent an injury in the workplace.
To address the hazards temporary workers face, OSHA has started a program to improve safety for all workers. The new program has OSHA field inspectors keep track of what companies are not following safety protocols and when temporary workers are exposed to safety and health hazards at work. Inspectors will also assess if temporary workers received the proper training in a way they could understand before they were allowed to start working.
OSHA is also working with the American Staffing Association to make sure that staffing agencies are aware of the hazards temporary workers may face, and to make sure staffing agencies are working with other companies to train and educate workers about job hazards and risks they may face.
Source: Insurance Journal, "OSHA Eyes Workplace Safety for Temporary Workers," May 1, 2013
]]>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.
]]> What are the most common types of electrical hazards in the workplace? Many injuries happen due to wiring hazards that electrocute workers. In addition to wire hazards, workers who are in contact with power lines and even major appliances face a higher risk of suffering an electrical injury compared to other workers.Workers should be aware of the electrical hazards they face on the job and be sure to report any hazards and risks to their employer to prevent accidents. Electrical hazards are very dangerous and it is up to employers to make sure the workplace is free of safety hazards.
Employers need to educate and raise awareness of electrical hazards at work, and be sure to properly train workers on how to safely work around these hazards. Employers should consider the following tips to help prevent workplace injuries caused by electrical hazards:
Source: Brainard Dispatch, "May is Electrical Safety Month," Kevin Stunek, May 7, 2013
]]>The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration are still investigating the fatal workplace accident. They said that this is the first fatality the forestry mill has had since it opened in 1990. While this is the first fatal fall this facility has reported, they are not the first company in Minnesota to have a fatal workplace injury caused by a fall.
]]> Falls were the leading the cause of fatal workplace accidents during 2008 to 2012 in Minnesota, according to the state's OSHA department. During that time period, there were 24 fatal workplace falls in the state, which points to a significant safety hazard since 24 out of the total 85 workplace deaths in Minnesota were attributed to falls. Crushing was the second leading cause of workplace fatalities in the state.Many fatal fall accidents in the workplace can be prevented. While this fatal work accident is still being investigated by OSHA officials, workplace safety advocates say that companies are supposed to have fall prevention safety programs in place to prevent tragic accidents like this one from happening.
To help companies improve workplace safety and prevent falls, OSHA offers the following safety tips for employers:
OSHA hopes that employers follow the requirements to provide all employees with proper safety equipment and training to prevent accidents and injuries caused by falls.
Source: Star Tribune, "Bemidji mill worker dies when catwalk falls," Paul Walsh, April 29, 2013 United States Department of Labor "Fall Protection"
]]>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.
]]> Workplace hazards for farm workers remain high. A report from the Center for Progressive Reform said that oppressive heat is a common hazard for agricultural workers as it can be difficult for farm workers to feel the effects of heat stroke and other illnesses until it may be too late.
Other workplace hazards include repetitive motion injuries caused by working with heavy machinery and equipment. Slips, falls and trips are also a significant safety hazard as they are very common on farms and can result in very serious and even fatal injuries. The report also notes that workers are at risk for being electrocuted when working with irrigation equipment, tractors can overturn and severely injure a worker and grain bins and silos can entrap workers and suffocate them within minutes.
All of these hazards are known in the farming industry yet many farms have not improved their safety precautions and education for farmers. Farm workers and agricultural safety experts are calling for the farming industry to finally address workplace safety issues in a way that will improve safety and decrease accidents.
Source: Workday Minnesota, "Workers Memorial Day spotlights deaths, injuries on the job," April 28, 2013
]]>Officials are not sure what exactly caused the explosion that destroyed the facility, nearby neighborhoods, injured over 200 people and killed 14 people. However, occupational health experts say that enforcement and safety inspections of workplace safety laws were lacking at the facility, leading to the horrific workplace accident.
]]> Reports show that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had not inspected the facility since 1985. Some officials believe that the facility may have been exempt from some of OSHA's inspections and rules due to the small size of the company.Current federal laws allow companies that have 10 or fewer employees are exempt from OSHA inspections to shield small businesses from the same costs larger companies pay to comply with safety requirements. Officials are unaware yet if this facility was exempt from OSHA investigations, but it would explain why OSHA had not investigated the plant in almost 20 years.
Workplace safety advocates say that smaller companies are not any safer than larger companies. In fact, many advocates say that smaller companies are not able to invest in workplace safety measures and may have an increased risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Individuals that work for smaller companies are encouraged to report safety issues and violations to OSHA as well as to their supervisor. If their employer does not address the safety hazards, OSHA can get involved and issue a violation against the company. While OSHA is not able to issue hefty fines against most employers for their safety violations, reporting workplace safety issues can at least make more workers aware of potential safety hazards on the job.
Source: Huffington Post, "Texas Plant Explosion Reveals Wide Gaps in Workplace Safety Laws," Dave Jamieson, April 20, 2013
]]>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.
]]> Work zone accidents are a common occurrence during the spring and summer months in Minnesota, and unfortunately, these accidents can lead to serious injuries and fatalities for workers as well as motorists.As part of the work zone safety awareness campaign, safety officials are warning drivers about the risks of being in a work zone accident and the damage they can cause to construction workers. Safety officials offered the following tips to help prevent work zone accidents this season:
In addition to motorists taking steps to prevent accidents, construction sites and supervisors should educate and train construction workers on the proper safety precautions to take while working in a construction zone. Managers need to make sure all workers have the proper equipment to themselves safe as well as make sure signs are posted to notify the public about upcoming work zones on the road.
Source: Claims Journal, "Work Zone Injuries Happen Every 14 Minutes," April 15, 2013
Our law firm represents injured workers. To learn more about our practice, please visit our Minnesota workplace accidents page.
]]>Despite OHSA's attempt to regulate employers and prevent toxic exposure to millions of workers in the U.S., reports show that OSHA has not been able to protect workers from suffering illnesses and injuries caused by toxic exposure.
]]> Toxic exposure at work may not seem as big of a threat to employers and even workers because the health hazards of working with toxins are not as noticeable and illnesses usually don't appear until after years of exposure. Even though toxic exposure may take longer to harm workers, it is still a significant safety risk for workers in many different industries.Workers exposed to harmful chemicals at work can suffer from neurological impairments and illnesses, and many workers who had long-term exposure to toxic chemicals are no longer able to work or live a normal life.
OSHA has tried to keep workers safe from occupational illnesses but it has been difficult. OSHA officials say part of the problem is the amount they are able to fine companies for violating safety regulations, saying that companies would rather pay the fine than spend the time and money on changing the chemicals they use in their manufacturing plants.
While OSHA does not appear to be able to change toxic exposure threats at work, workers who have been exposed to dangerous toxins can take some action. Workers are entitled to workers' compensation benefits after suffering an occupational illness. Individuals considering applying for workers' compensation benefits should consult a workers' compensation attorney to understand the application process as well as their rights under Minnesota law.
Source: Seattle Times, "OSHA has dismal record preventing long-term workplace hazards," Ian Urbina, March 31, 2013
]]>When fatal grain accidents happen, is the employer ever held accountable? Not often, according to reports analyzing OSHA fines and criminal charges against farm companies where grain bin accidents occur. After an accident, OSHA will investigate and usually issue a fine against the company. However, the original hefty fines are often reduced by 60 percent or more a majority of the time.
]]> Fines are often reduced after a company challenges the findings of the OSHA investigation and many companies are able to negotiate different fines and citations that end up reducing the original fine issued by OHSA.Safety experts say that many employers don't have an incentive to take the time to properly train and buy safety equipment to prevent these accidents, especially when they are usually able to reduce the fine and penalties issued after an accident.
In addition to OSHA often reducing fines for employers that have fatal grain bin accidents and unsafe working conditions, many of these employers never face any criminal charges for the accidents, even though their negligence and insufficient safety training often leads to the accidents.
In some grain bin accident cases, OSHA has tried to have state or federal prosecutors file criminal charges against the employer. However, criminal prosecutions for fatal grain bin accidents are not common and there have only been three cases that lead to federal charges since 2001.
Despite OSHA's efforts to regulate and keep grain bin workers safe, many believe that they are not effective in forcing employers to provide a safe working environment for their farm workers. Until farm employers are regulated to have more safety awareness and harsher penalties for safety violations, sadly, grain bin accidents will continue to happen.
Source: MPR News, "Fines Slashed In Grain Bin Entrapment Deaths," Howard Berkes, March 26, 2013
]]>Minnesota's workers' compensation system can be complicated for many individuals, especially right after suffering a workplace injury that may make it difficult to fully understand how to file a workers' compensation claim.
]]> There are several ways workers' compensation attorneys can help injured workers. While not every worker uses any attorney, some of the most common reasons injured workers consult an attorney is due to the follow factors:In addition to these common reasons, many injured workers benefit from hiring a workers' compensation attorney after suffering serious or life-changing injuries, if the worker feels threatened or intimidated by their employer and the type of relationship the worker has with their employer.
Workers' compensation laws in Minnesota can be difficult to understand and it can be even more challenging to file a workers' comp claim when your employer is disputing your claims of the events around the workplace accident and injury. This is why a workers' compensation attorney can be very beneficial for injured employees because an attorney can not only explain the application process but he or she can also fight for your rights to receive workers' compensation benefits.
Source: FindLaw, "Do You Need a Lawyer for a Workers' Comp Case?" Andrew Lu
]]>Many workplace accidents and injuries can be prevented if companies make an effort to address potential safety hazards. Reports also show that companies that encourage employees to report workplace injuries and accidents actually see a decrease in workplace injuries.
]]> Companies should make an effort to reduce workplace injuries for several reasons, including their legal obligation under state workers' compensation laws, company productivity and worker morale. The most common causes of workplace injuries in 2010 were recently reported by the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index include:These five types of accidents are the most common in U.S. workplaces and are very preventable in most cases. Employers should understand the risks associated with these injuries and take action to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. If they don't, injured workers can file a workers' compensation claim against their employer to help pay for the injuries.
Source: EHS Today, "Preventing the Top 5 Workplace Injuries," Langdon Dement, March 14, 2013
]]>Federal law regulating farm labor restricts youth under the age of 16 from working inside confined spaces such as grain bins. It also restricts the age limit for working in spaces that contain suffocation hazards or toxic environments. The only exception to this is if those youth are working on a farm that is owned and operated by a parent or legal guardian.
]]> These regulations are in place to help prevent deaths from untrained youth often sought after to break up clumps of grain in the bins due to their smaller size. However, with the lack of safety procedures and adequate equipment for grain handling in the bins that permeates many of these farms, these jobs can turn out to be fatal.New safety harnesses and equipment are in the works and being developed for bins that have been erected in the last 20-25 years. While they cannot completely prevent workplace injuries or fatalities, they hopefully will go a long way in reducing complications from current grain handling procedures and techniques. While the safety equipment won't necessarily be cheap, it should save lives.
If you have been injured on the job, please contact an attorney practiced in workers' compensation. Their skills and knowledge in assisting those harmed in a workplace incident will help to alleviate some of the stress associated in dealing with government agencies and in filling out the required paperwork.
Source: agriculture.com, "Get a Leg Up on Bin Safety," Cheryl Tevis, Feb. 28, 2013
]]>The repercussions of a workplace injury can be devastating to individuals as well as companies as a whole that many businesses now spend great amounts of money implementing safe practice techniques and processes. One Minnesota hospital, St. Luke's in Duluth, has been implementing safe practices so well lately, that they were recognized as a 2013 Best Practice Honoree by the American Psychological Association.
]]> One of the greatest causes of injury in certain areas of the medical profession is the moving of patients from one place to another. Whether that is from bed to bed, bed to chair, or from position to position in a bed or chair, medical professionals are often putting themselves at risk for an injured back. To address this issue, St. Luke's started to buy free-standing patient lifts to assist their professionals in the task.Since beginning to implement the lifts, the hospital has seen a 34.6 percent reduction in workers' compensation claims and has also allowed the hospital to increase their staffing. The decrease in workplace injuries allows the hospital to run more efficiently and keep their staff's morale and social structure in tact more seamlessly. They are also able to better take care of the patients and place increased savings to making those patients' experience more pleasurable.
If you work in a dangerous work environment and you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to some form of workers' compensation. In order to further explore your options, contacting an attorney who is practiced at advocating for your rights in this area can provide much peace of mind and may relieve some of the stresses involved in the process.
Source: Duluth News Tribune, "St. Luke's receives award for fewer workplace injuries," John Lundy, Mar. 7, 2013
]]>The reduction in exposure to the toxic metal has brought Minnesota's mining industry into the national spotlight as a model for other states to emulate according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has been touting the industry's ability to reduce the amount of mercury produced by more than 50 percent in the past 15 years, they still hope to reduce the current figures by at least another 75 percent by 2016.
]]> The risk with mercury production through mining smokestacks is that once in the atmosphere, the mercury falls back down and transforms into highly toxic material called methylmercury. This methylmercury lands in various waterways and builds up in the fish in those waterways and anything that eats those fish. That means that locals are consuming the higher levels of mercury directly through fish consumption, but also through any animal that may have eaten fish as part of its diet prior to ending up in someone's kitchen.Mercury exposure can have detrimental effects on individuals, especially children. It is recommended that women who are pregnant and children should rarely eat fish that are high in mercury content. This includes large trout, walleye, northern pike, tuna, shark, mackerel, and orange roughy as well as others. Hi mercury exposure can possibly lead to lower developmental levels and harm the brain and nervous system.
If you have been exposed to toxic chemicals or suffer due to that exposure, please consult an attorney who practices in the area of toxic exposure. Their knowledge will help you determine what legal options may be available to you in order to pursue remedies for the injuries that occurred due to that exposure.
Source: Duluth News Tribune, "Minnesota coal plants cut mercury in half," John Myers, Feb. 19, 2013
]]>Baxter is in a class of robots designed to perform lightweight, repetitive tasks next to human counterparts as opposed to in a separate area. These robots are meant for manufacturing companies that need help in areas such as packing and sorting where the repetitive tasks can often lead to workplace injuries. One Minnesota ammunitions company sees great potential in its future uses for avoiding injuries in its factories.
]]> The designers have also created the robot to be the user interface itself, not some complex computer. Therefore, the workers working side-by-side Baxter can indeed train it by manipulating its movements and "showing" it through guiding its desired tasks. The robot also has safety mechanisms built in that allow it to sense through its joints when a human is nearby so that it does not bump or hurt them.As for potential downsides at the moment, the robot is still slower than humans and can only lift objects that weigh up to five pounds. These factors may restrict its use due to low payload capacity and efficiency. However, many view its potential to eliminate repetitive-motion injuries from factory work as a unique advantage to be developed further.
Workplace injuries are never an easy experience to go through. The difficulties it creates with work, the increase in medical bills, and the potential lifelong struggles associated with some injuries require immediate attention. If you are worried about how a workplace injury may affect your livelihood or are struggling with collecting workers' compensation due to an injury, please contact an attorney. An attorney practiced exclusively in workers' compensation will be able to best guide you through the complex legalities involved with the process and help alleviate some of the stresses associated with your injuries.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "Baxter robot draws throngs at McCormick Place," Ameet Sachdev, Jan. 22, 2013
]]>In continuing that trend, perhaps other prisons should look to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Willow River's Challenge Incarceration Program. The program is being highlighted and held up as a standard bearer for its implemented safety culture. The successful program has succeeded in eliminating workplace injuries for nearly four years now.
]]> Since May 4, 2009, no staff member has taken time off of work due to an injury sustained while on the job. This news comes on the heels of Governor Dayton's challenge to all state employees to reduce workplace injuries over the next three years. His challenge is to get state agencies to reduce injury rates by 25 percent through programs like the Minnesota Safety Accountability From Everyone (MnSAFE) challenge. State agencies will be assessed by the rate of claims attributed to them.Hopefully, more correctional facilities will be able to reduce their staff injuries to the extent that Willow River has. With their program as a guide, other facilities should be able to replicate similar success if given the resources.
When working in a dangerous environment such as a prison, it is important to be cautious when at work. Should any sort of accident or encounter result in an injury, whether serious or not, you should always report that injury. After reporting the injury, please reach out to a workers' compensation lawyer who will be able to ensure that the correct documentation and precautions are taken to preserve any sort of legal claims that may be available to you both now and in the future. By taking these necessary precautions, you can protect your interests should complications arise from such injuries down the road.
Source: Northland's News Center, "Prison Received Safety Excellence Award," Jenna Vogt, Feb. 6, 2013
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