According to the Massachusetts Nursing Association, healthcare workers in the Bay State are being injured at a notably higher rate than those in other states and other industries. The majority of these injuries are occurring because known solutions aren’t being implemented, or are being administered incorrectly. For example, although it…
Articles Posted in Workers’ Compensation
OSHA’s Removal of ‘Slips, Trips, and Falls’ Rule Leaves Employers on Shaky Ground
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes rules, regulations, and standards that employers must comply with to maintain a safe working environment for employees. In addition to protecting employee safety, OSHA regulations actually help employers in many cases. For example, if an employee is injured but an OSHA investigation reveals…
Explosion at North Andover Dow Chemical Plant Injures Five
On Thursday afternoon, an explosion at the North Andover Dow Chemical facility injured five workers, four critically. State and federal officials are investigating the explosion, which took place in a chemical lab at the plant. As a precautionary measure, the state’s bomb squad will be detonating chemicals that may have…
Roofing Falls and Workers’ Compensation Benefits – What You Need to Know
Falls from roofs are among the most common construction accidents in the industry. Unfortunately, they are often deadly. In order to reduce the risk of serious injury and death, it is essential that workers receive proper training and that employers provide a safe working environment at all times. Workers’ compensation…
Emotional Injuries – Are They Covered by Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation?
Most Massachusetts workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation benefits. On-the-job accidents, such as chemical burns, falls from high places, inhalation of toxic fumes, being struck by an object, and work-vehicle accidents can result in serious physical injuries and even death. But what about emotional injuries? In Massachusetts, mental and emotional injuries…
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents in Boston Restaurants and Food Service Jobs
Restaurant, food service, and food manufacturing workers have a higher risk of slip and fall accidents than workers in most other occupations. In fact, according to Liberty Mutual’s Workplace Safety Index, 45% of workers’ compensation claims in restaurants are due to falls. Many factors contribute to the high risk, including…
On-the-Job Scarring Victims May Soon Be Eligible for Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Benefits
In Massachusetts, when a worker is injured on-the-job, he or she is generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program designed to replace lost wages and cover the cost of medical expenses when an individual is injured in the course of employment. Certain medical costs may…
OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program – Goal is to Hold Most Severe Violators Accountable
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces workplace safety regulations across the country. It is the employer’s responsibility to adhere to these regulations, but they don’t always take heed. Unfortunately, when employers violate these regulations, workers can get seriously injured and even die. An employee injured on-the-job is generally…
Heavy Boxes Fall from Big Lots’ Shelves and Seriously Injure Employee
Discount retailer Big Lots Stores Inc. is facing $66,000 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after an employee was injured at a store location in Danvers, Massachusetts. The store’s assistant manager wound up in the hospital after being struck by several falling boxes of patio furniture…
Recently Promoted MA Worker Denied Workers’ Comp Benefits Based on Higher Wage
In a recent and unprecedented MA workers’ compensation case, a hospital employee was injured at work after learning of an upcoming promotion, but cannot receive benefits based on the higher wage. According to an administrative judge, the employee’s promotion was an absolute certainty, and the worker’s comp benefits should be…