Construction sites are dangerous places, there’s no doubt about that. And crane accidents are among the deadliest types of construction-related accidents. In fact, earlier this month, a worker died in a crane accident in Longwood Medical area of Boston. Improved technology has positively impacted productivity, but safety issues remain for…
Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
Workplace Related Injuries and Fatalities Continue to Rise in MA and Nationwide.
Numbers from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) showed that in 2014, more American workers died on the job than any year since 2008. The census showed 4,821 workers died in 2014, which equates to 13 worker deaths every day in America at a rate of about 3.4 per…
Temporary Workers Must be Adequately Trained in Massachusetts Workplace
The workplace is where millions of Americans earn their livings and is the backbone of American society. Unfortunately, many careers and employers subject their workers to dangerous environments, techniques and tools in order to get the job done. It can be something as simple yet tragic as a fall from…
Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Covered by MA Workers’ Compensation?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury (RSI) caused by the compression of nerves and tendons in the “carpal tunnel” of your wrist. These nerves and tendons allow your fingers to flex. Swelling around the carpal tunnel can result in severe pain, numbness and weakness when performing activities that…
Cyber Monitoring at Construction Sites can Provide ‘Real Time’ Safety Alerts.
According to recent research by Penn State’s Department of Architectural Engineering, using Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) will improve construction site safety by observing and evaluating the safety of temporary structures found on construction sites. Defined by the National Science Foundation, CPS are “engineered systems that are built from, and depend on,…
Quest Diagnostics Hit With OSHA Violations and Penalties
On March 6, 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began an inspection of Quest Diagnostic Corp.’s Ameripath laboratory in Shelton, CT. The inspection followed numerous complaints from lab employees who claimed to be suffering from headaches, sore throats, and breathing problems. Following the inspection, OSHA identified multiple violations…
Are Injured Workers More Likely to Get Fired?
A recent study of U.S. nursing home workers found that injured workers are more likely to lose their jobs within six months of an injury. In fact, when compared to workers without on-the-job injuries, the injured workers had more than double the risk of being fired. Workers with multiple injuries…
Heat a Serious Danger to Massachusetts Workers
Although the recent heat wave we have experienced here in Massachusetts may not be a hindrance to individuals who work in air-conditioned office buildings, it has significantly affected those who must work outdoors. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts high temperatures and increased humidity to persist throughout the…
OSHA Increases Penalties For First Time Violators
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the organization responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers in the United States. After the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was passed, Congress established OSHA in 1971 to ensure safe working conditions for U.S. workers. One method by…
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Hernia?
You’re at work, lifting a heavy box, when you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your side. Upon further inspection, you find a painful bulge in your lower abdomen. It could be a hernia. What do you do? After a visit to your health care provider, you should consider the…