Thursday, June 27, 2013

Top 10 Work Place Injuries

1. Unsafe acts. This can range from standing on the top rung of the ladder to not wearing protective equipment. 2. Overexertion. Back injuries are the most common form of this type. 3. Same level slip or trip. This could be due to something slippery on the floor or an object in your path. 4. Fall to lower level. A major portion of these injuries occur from a ladder. 5. Strike against. May occur with a loss of balance. 6. Struck by. Objects can fall from work tables, pallets or a flying object may come from a power tool. 7. Motor-vehicle collisions. 8. “Caught in” or “crushed by.” Typically involves workplace machinery, equipment and tools. 9. Repetitive-motion injury. Also known as cumulative trauma disorders. 10. Workplace violence. Includes sexual harassment, physical attacks, robbery and other forms of violence.

Protecting Yourself From Industrial-Linked Diseases

While many believe those working in a manual labour job are probably more susceptible to industrial disease due to the risk factors involved, this isn’t necessarily the case and more people are at risk of contracting an industrial disease than you may be aware of. The problem is still present and even though it shouldn’t be, more people still suffer from problems, which are caused by the environment they work in. The managers and owners of the business should monitor their workplace, in order to ensure the health and safety standards are appropriately met. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act it is your employer’s responsibility to make sure their employees are able to work in an environment where they feel safe and their needs are appropriately met. If you have contracted an injury due to your working conditions, you may be eligible to make a claim and your employer could face penalties. Industrial disease is an umbrella term for all injuries suffered in the workplace and while there are some, which are more common than others all industrial disease can have a lasting effect on anyone’s life, commonly causing a change in lifestyle and no matter how small it is, this shouldn’t be the case and if you have suffered at the hands of your workplace you could be able to make a personal injury claim, allowing you to get the compensation you deserve. Industrial deafness and tinnitus are two of the most common types of industrial deafness and sufferers may only see the symptoms up to forty years after they have been exposed to loud noises. Both industrial deafness and tinnitus can be extremely difficult for sufferers to live with, as it is a huge change in lifestyle and the compensation from a personal injury claim can help with rehabilitation methods and with any medical bills. Your employer should provide you with any safety equipment that limits your chances of suffering from any type of industrial disease. From earmuffs to safety glasses, your health should be a high priority and in order to stay within health and safety regulations they should carry out safety checks regularly. It is important that you visit your doctor if you find any symptoms of any industrial disease as the sooner the problem is identified the easier it will be to treat. For most cases of industrial disease there is no cure and the only solution is to monitor and control the problem as best as possible. If you have suffered an injury in the workplace you could make a personal injury claim by contacting a no win no fee solicitors who will help and advise you when making your case. Phoebe Willan, writing on behalf of Walker Prestons.

Ladder Accidents -over 300 people die each year from ladder related injuries

Ladder Accidents Posted on Mar 28, 2013 12:15pm EDT While many people view a ladder as a simple tool to help with jobs like painting and construction, over 500,000 people in the U.S. are treated for ladder-related injuries each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Even more frightening is the fact that at least 300 people die each year from these injuries. Many ladder injuries occur at work, and many are preventable with proper work conditions, equipment and safety instructions. Without providing these conditions, employers who require employees to use ladders are in violation of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements. The OSHA guidelines for safe ladder usage are: Inspect every ladder before EVERY use; Ladders with structural defects may not be used and must be tagged with "Do Not Use" and withdrawn from the working pool; Ladders must be carried parallel to the ground and tied down for transportation. Ladders should be kept free of oil, grease and other hazards; Ladders should never be weighted beyond their maximum intended load; Workers should only use ladder for the purpose for which they were designed (refer to manufacturer's labeling and recommendations); Traffic areas in the vicinity of ladder use should be blocked off. Doorways leading to the ladder work area should be locked, barricaded or guarded; The area around the top and bottom of the ladder must be kept clear. The ladder should never be moved, shifted or extended while occupied; A ladder should never be 'walked'; Only non-conductive side rails should be used when working near live electrical equipment; The top or top step of the ladder is not for standing or stepping. You should not stand on cross bracing; Workers should always face the ladder when ascending or descending; Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet/one hand or two hands/one foot should be in contact with ladder at all times); Tools should be carried in pouches around the waist, or a rope should be employed to raise or lower large items like tool boxes; Workers should be careful not to lean too far away from the ladder; they should employ the 'belt buckle rule': keep belt buckles positioned between the side rails to maintain the center of gravity; Never allow more than one worker on the ladder at a time; and Wear protective clothing and rubber-soled shoes.

OSHA Worker Statistics: 13 Deaths a Day

OSHA Worker Statistics: 13 Deaths a Day

Friday, June 7, 2013