August 3, 2023

MA Workers Dying in Alarming Numbers, Report Finds

Dangerous jobs continued to hurt and kill workers in “alarming numbers” last year, according to a report by the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH) and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Specifically, the report found that 51 workers suffered job-related fatalities in 2022. Although this represented a drop from the Commonwealth’s 62 workplace deaths in 2021, the report noted that many such fatalities are preventable.

Workplace Injuries and Deaths in Massachusetts

Published in April, the report showed that 39 workers died of traumatic work injuries and 12 died of work-related disease in 2022. The true numbers may be much higher, however, because the data does not include all people who died after contracting COVID on the job. In addition, injuries and illnesses are not always reported or properly recorded.

August 17, 2017

The Inherent Dangers of Crane Operation – OSHA’s Recommendations to Prevent Crane Accidents

by Altman & Altman

Cranes are used on construction sites to move heavy objects. If not operated safely, they can be extremely dangerous. Crane accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death in the construction industry. In fact, the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that there were 818 crane-related fatalities in the 10 year period between 1997 and 2006. The reasons for these accidents vary widely, from mechanical failures to user error. Fortunately, most crane accidents are easily preventable. The following information looks at common causes of crane accidents and how to prevent them.

How to Prevent Crane Accidents

Because of their sheer size, weight and height, cranes can be deadly when misused or poorly maintained. Crane collapses, which may occur when weight limits are ignored or the crane is placed on an unstable surface, often result in death. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the following conditions are crucial to the prevention of crane accidents:

All crane operators and related workers must receive proper training.
Crane equipment should be regularly maintained and inspected for the detection of equipment failures or defects.
Cranes and loads must be properly rigged.
Manufacturer-specified weight limits must be strictly observed.
Crane assembly and disassembly must be closely supervised.
Anyone working on or around a crane must be able to openly and effectively communicate with others working on or around the crane.
Cranes must be placed on stable ground.
Cranes must be a safe distance from power lines.

Electrocution

According to OSHA, nearly half of all overhead crane accidents occur when the crane makes contact with a power source. These accidents often result in the electrocution of anyone touching the crane when it comes into contact with a high-voltage power line. But even workers in close proximity to the crane can be seriously injured. In fact, nearly 200 workers die this way every year. A Boston work injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured on the job.

Overloading

About 80 percent of all crane collapses can be attributed to overloading. When the crane’s operational capacity is exceeded, structural stress can result in structural failures and collapse. Swinging or suddenly dropping the load can also lead to collapse. Overloading is most often a direct result of human error, and can be prevented through proper training and supervision. Relying on instinct to determine whether a load is too heavy can lead to disaster. The use of load-measuring technologies can significantly reduce the risk of this potentially-deadly hazard. Continue reading

March 8, 2017

Crane Accidents and How to Prevent Them

by Altman & Altman

Dozens of construction workers are injured in crane accidents annually in the United States. Injuries and fatalities occur among the men and women operating the cranes as well as to workers and others on the ground. Crane accidents and collapses are one of the deadliest types of construction accidents, accounting for about 40 deaths every year. Read on for more information about common causes of crane accidents and how to prevent them.

Common Crane Accident Causes

Crane accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including user error and equipment defects. But the most common causes include:

Cranes coming into contact with power lines: Nearly 39 percent of all crane accidents are caused when the crane comes into contact with overhead power lines. If any part of the crane, including the boom or cables, makes contact with a live power line, the crane operator and any nearby workers can be electrocuted.

Assembly and disassembly accidents: If assembly and / or disassembly is not performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, it can result in catastrophic crane accidents. A MA work injury attorney can help you determine how to move forward if you have been injured in a crane accident.

Crane boom collapses: When the crane boom is extended too far, the crane’s ability to carry loads can be negatively impacted. This uneven distribution of weight can cause structural problems, which can result in the boom buckling or collapsing. This type of accident accounts for approximately eight percent of all crane accidents, and usually leads to serious injuries or death.

Tipping over: When the crane is overloaded beyond its capacity, it can tip over or collapse. Tip overs may also occur if the ground beneath the crane is uneven or unstable.

How to Prevent Crane Accidents

Crane accidents result in serious injuries and fatalities every year. If you are concerned that your employer is not following proper safety guidelines for crane operation and maintenance, you may contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and request a safety inspection. If you have been injured in a crane accident, it is in your best interest to consult with a skilled MA work injury lawyer immediately.

OSHA’s guidelines for preventing crane accidents include:

An inspector should check the crane for mechanical problems before each use.

Cranes should be inspected regularly to identify cracks, wiring problems, and worn or damaged parts.

A qualified person must perform any necessary repairs or modifications.

The crane should be placed on stable and flat ground and must be at least 10-feet from electrical cables.

The crane must not carry a load that exceeds its capacity.

Fences should be installed around the site to keep non-workers from getting too close to the crane.

A qualified “signal” person should assist the operator when maneuvering loads.

Workers should be equipped with fall protecting equipment.

The crane’s foundation and all structural supports should be designed by a professional engineer or the crane’s manufacturer.

Always use caution with wind. According to OSHA studies, wind is one of the top causes of crane accidents.

January 5, 2017

Worker Fatigue is Dangerous and Expensive

by Altman & Altman

When we are fatigued, even the most routine task can become challenging. But when the task at hand involves heavy machinery, high places, dangerous substances, or getting behind the wheel, fatigue can be deadly. When Massachusetts workers are fatigued they are less productive and prone to making more errors. So it stands to reason that employers wouldn’t want workers to be fatigued. Despite this logic, it’s not uncommon for employers to overwork employees; meeting deadlines and filling orders often take priority. But these short-sighted plans can create dangerous workplace conditions and can be costly for employers.

According to reports, employers lose about $136 billion annually to worker fatigue-related issues. In addition to lost productivity, fatigued workers can quadruple an employer’s workers’ compensation costs due to a higher frequency of accidents and subsequent injuries. Fatigued workers can hurt themselves, but they also put their co-workers at risk. If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident, contact a Boston work injury lawyer today.

Reducing Worker Fatigue

Employers can take steps to reduce worker fatigue, thus improving productivity, and reducing liability and associated costs. To do this they should:

Discuss shift schedules with workers and take worker considerations into account.
Meet the physiological and sociological criteria of individual workers.
Test out different shift rotations for each worker to determine what works best.

Worker fatigue is not a minor concern. It is an issue that puts workers at risk on a daily basis and costs employers millions of dollars annually. If you feel that your workplace conditions are unsafe, report the conditions to a supervisor. If your supervisor does not respond to your concerns, you can contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and contact a MA work injury lawyer today.

Signs and Symptoms of Fatigue

Although employers can take steps to prevent worker fatigue, some problems are rooted outside of the workplace. Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy can all disturb healthy sleep patterns and result in fatigue at work. Excessive alcohol use, some prescription and over the counter medications, and obesity are also contributing factors. The following signs are good indicators that a worker may be fatigued:

General tiredness or sleepiness
Depression
Irritability
Decreased appetite
Digestive problems
Chronic illness

When are Workers Sleepiest?

According to Alberta Human Resources and Employment, most fatigue-related work accidents occur during third shift hours, between midnight and six a.m. That’s no big surprise. But the one to three p.m. nap time came in at a close second. Fatigue reduces decision making abilities, communication skills, productivity and performance, attention and concentration, memory, reaction time, and a worker’s ability to handle stress. Being excessively tired on the job can also increase a tendency for risk taking, and can result in increased sick time, employee turnover, and overall medical costs. Bottom line – workplace fatigue is expensive. Continue reading

December 9, 2016

Central Transport commits to improving safety protocols

by Altman & Altman

LTL freight company, Central Transport, has committed to work on improving their company-wide safety protocols, and to specifically address safety concerns regarding outdated and unsafe forklifts and industrial trucks at over 100 of their terminals in 26 states across the nation. The commitment to safety changes came after extensive investigations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed many citations and violations of safety standards, totaling $165,400 in total penalties, which Central Transport must pay as part of the agreement. These violations could have caused, and may still cause, crushing or struck-by injuries at these locations.

Central Transport must remove damaged, defective and unsafe forklifts from all of their locations and implement a comprehensive and detailed timetable and a step-by-step list on how they will address safety concerns moving forward. These steps must be verified by an internal monitor to ensure that the implementation is going according to the agreement. This monitor will make at least 20 checks on terminals across their service area. In addition to an internal monitor, a third party monitor will also made unannounced checks on their terminals and conduct interviews with employees to see if the changes are being implemented.

The violations were noted at Central Transport terminals in 26 states, including the Billerica terminal in Massachusetts. It is now up to each of these states to honor and enforce this settlement agreement to help ensure the safety of its workers.

Proper safety regulations are non-negotiable

Industrial jobs, such as working in a loading dock for a freight company like Central Transport, carry inherent risks for the employees. Any profession that involves heavy machinery, large trucks and massive payloads may pose obvious dangers that could lead to permanent injuries or death. It is for this reason that all companies that employ workers in potentially-dangerous fields should take the utmost care to ensure that they are doing everything possible to prevent avoidable accidents that can lead to the irreversible harm or death of their employees. OSHA exists to hold companies accountable for this responsibility, and this recent agreement shows why OSHA is important.

Were it not for OSHA investigating and revealing unsafe working conditions, how long would Central Transport have pushed their luck using outdated and hazardous forklifts? Would change only have happened after somebody was hurt, or worse? Now that they have been cited and given the order to update their safety protocols, it will hopefully result in an overall safer work environment for their employees. Continue reading

September 28, 2016

Preventing Deadly Crane Accidents in Massachusetts

by Altman & Altman

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 workers on and around cranes. The information below will help you identify the leading causes of crane accidents and how to avoid them.

How Do Crane Accidents Occur?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the leading causes of crane accidents. They include:

Coming into contact with power lines
Cranes overturning
Falls from high places
Mechanical failures

In addition to deadly crane accidents, there are countless minor crane accidents that result in lost wages and productivity, an increase in insurance costs, OSHA fines, and more. In fact, a 1997 OSHA study concluded that most crane accidents are non-fatal. It is likely that most of these minor accidents are never even reported. Contact a Massachusetts Work Injury Lawyer if you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury.

Tips for Preventing Crane Accidents

If you work on or around cranes in Massachusetts, the following tips will dramatically reduce your risk of being seriously harmed or killed in a crane accident.

Assess: Assess for the potential of a crane accident and ensure that hazards are identified and remedied. This includes making sure the soil is properly prepared and that the crane is not in close proximity to power lines or underground pipelines.

Establish: Each crane should have its own safety plan and a person should be assigned to ensure the safety plan is adhered to. In doing so, he or she must ensure that equipment is well-maintained and routinely inspected.

Assign: A competent person should be assigned to oversee all crane operations.

Train: It’s not enough to only train workers who spend significant time on or around cranes. Any personnel working near a crane for any amount of time, even if only repairing or assembling the crane, should be properly trained in lifting operations.

Following the above advice doesn’t eliminate the risk of working on or near cranes, but it significantly reduces that risk. In Boston and the surrounding areas, it’s hard to turn the corner without seeing a construction site. Employers should ensure the safety of their crew by providing proper safety gear and adequate training, and by keeping equipment in good working order. Continue reading

July 13, 2016

Medford-Everett Crane Collapse Being Investigated By OSHA

by Altman & Altman

A crane collapsed yesterday along the Medford-Everett line, injuring the operator of the piece of machinery. The accident occurred next to the Revere Beach Parkway were the Woods Memorial Bridge Project is currently underway. Workers were cleaning up for the day when the crane become unbalanced and completely flipped over. At the time, the crane was carrying 200 gallons of diesel fuel at the time, which began leaking. Environmental groups were called to help clean up the fuel. The operator suffered minor injuries, a broken arm and wrist, after he was trapped inside the crane when it fell. Some of his coworkers used a torch to get him out before first responders arrived. The operator works for Coastal Marine and was taken to Mass General Hospital but is expected to be OK. Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are back investigating the incident today. This is a relatively lucky case compared to dozens of other crashes in which many have died.

Worksite crane accidents can occur easily if the proper safety precautions are not taken. Cranes are vital to the manufacturing and construction industries as they lift and transport heavy materials that could otherwise not be moved. If the machinery is properly installed and maintained, cranes can move materials quite safely and efficiently. However, if operation and safety procedures are not followed when using cranes and other large machinery, the lives of workers and bystanders can be put at great risk.

There are three main hazards that construction workers and crane operators need to be vigilant of when working near cranes. The first are electrical hazards. OSHA reports that nearly 50 percent of overhead crane accidents result from the machines touching a power source during operation. Power line contact, when a metal section of a crane inadvertently contacts a high-voltage power line, typically occurs when the crane is moving materials under or nearby a power line. Every year, almost 200 people die from power line contact with about 600 being seriously injured. Often, the victims are individuals who are guiding the load, but everyone present at a work site is also vulnerable to such risks. Planning is the most important preventative measure to take. It is especially important to appoint someone to be in charge of safety planning at worksites and to follow OSHA and ANSI guidelines about distance restrictions from power lines. A second major hazard is overloading. OSHA reports “80 percent of all crane upsets and structural failures can be attributed to exceeding the crane’s operational capacity.” Overloading most often causes loads to drop or swing inadvertently and oftentimes occurs when under qualified personnel are allowed to operate cranes. It is essential all workers who operate cranes on sites are properly trained and utilize load-measuring systems rather than relying on instinct and experience to determine if a crane can handle a load. The third and final major hazard is the case of materials falling. Aside from materials falling from overloading, loads can also fall if they are improperly secured. Statistics show that almost 20 people died in 2012 from accidents involving overhead hoists. These loads are often heavy and cause serious damage and injury if dropped. To reduce the risk of falling materials, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance checks and to make sure all loads are completely secured. Generally, all workers who interact with or around cranes and other heavy-duty machinery should be aware of safety procedures and be sure to follow regulations by OSHA and the manufacturers of the machinery.

July 7, 2016

Massachusetts Crane Accidents – Catastrophic Injuries – What You Need To Know.

by Altman & Altman

Cranes are often used on construction and industrial sites to lift and move heavy objects. They are often essential as they are one, if not the only, tool used to move objects that weigh thousands of pounds. There are more than 125,000 cranes in use in the construction industry, as well as an additional 100,000 more used in general and maritime industries. These cranes are operated by more than 250,000 workers. Although invaluable, cranes can be extremely dangerous if not operated using the correct safety precautions. The size of the crane itself, as well as the size of the materials it moves, can fatally injure workers and bystanders if the crane or the materials were to fall. The most recent data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on crane accidents is from 2006. There were 72 reported fatalities caused by crane accidents that year. Over the decade prior to that from 1997 to 2006, there were 818 total workplace deaths as a result of crane accidents. These fatal accidents were most commonly caused by objects falling from the cranes that then hit a worker or bystander. Some other causes also include being run over by a crane, falling from a crane, and electrocution.

In numbers, 62 percent of deaths were caused by contact with object or equipment, 20 percent were due to falls, 10 percent were due to transportation incidents, and 8 percent were a result of contact with an electrical current. Objects do not just fall from cranes without reason, however. The most common causes of these accidents are use of crane for purposes outside of the manufacturer’s specifications, improper crane selection, poor weather, improper crane set up, and falling debris or other hazardous conditions surrounding the crane. By following proper safety protocol, most crane accidents can be prevented. It was found that 90 percent of crane accidents are caused by human error and 80 percent can be attributed to crane operators exceeding operational capacity. That is why it is of the utmost importance that those operating such machinery be sufficiently trained and aware of the dangers of using cranes improperly. The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) has estimated that up to 90 percent of crane operators do not have certification. Therefore, it has recently revamped its safety regulations in order to reduce crane accidents. Continue reading

March 3, 2016

How to Avoid a Devastating Crane Accident

by Altman & Altman

If you live in Boston – or any city – construction cranes are a common sight. Unfortunately, crane collapses are also relatively common. According to the United States Department of Labor, there are approximately 90 crane-related fatalities in the US every year. The most recent occurred in February in Lower Manhattan, when a 565-foot crane collapsed, killing a man who was sitting in his parked car. In many of these accidents, high winds, inadequate training, or improperly erected cranes are a factor. Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today.

OSHA’s 12-Point Safety Checklist for Crane Use

In addition to collapses related to high winds, crane fatalities can also occur when the crane’s boom comes in contact with power lines, when the crane is improperly assembled or disassembled, or when workers are struck by the boom or load. OSHA has created a 12-point safety checklist for construction workers who will be working on or around cranes.

Only qualified and highly-trained employees should operate a crane.
The crane must be inspected by a designated person prior to each use.
The crane must always be placed on a stable, level surface.
Pins should never be unlocked or removed during assembly and disassembly unless the sections are secure and blocked.
The outriggers and barricade accessible areas must be completely extended if they are inside the swing radius of the crane.
Always keep at least 10 feet of clearance between the crane and any electric power lines.
Conduct a thorough inspection of rigging prior to use.
Use the correct load chart based on the current configuration, load weight, and lift path of the crane.
When making lifts, avoid exceeding the load chart capacity.
Before delivering a load, raise it a few inches, hold, verify, and run tests of the entire brake system.
Avoid moving loads over workers at all times.
Follow instructions given by the manufacturer, and all signals.

Crane safety boils down to these three essentials; safe conditions, well-maintained equipment, and proper training. Unfortunately, site conditions that appear safe can actually be riddled with hidden dangers, such as unstable ground and power lines. According to Tom Barth, owner of Barth Crane Inspections of South Carolina, “Site conditions cannot be assumed. They must be verified by an engineer. However, it is the crane operator’s responsibility to ask the site superintendent about any hazards such as utilities, fresh un-compacted fill and more. They may not be recognizable to the eye but could pose a threat of ground failure.” Continue reading

February 23, 2016

Massachusetts Construction Worker’s Death Last Year Was Preventable, OSHA Finds

by Altman & Altman

In August of 2015, a Massachusetts worker was killed when an aerial lift he was operating tipped over. Kevin Miranda was operating the lift when it tipped, ejecting him from the operator’s basket and throwing him 16 feet through the air. Following the accident, the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation of Miranda’s employer, Skyline Contracting and Roofing Corp. of Taunton. Just this month, the administration determined that his death could have been prevented if Skyline had adhered to federal and industry safety standards. Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today.

At the time of the accident, the aerial lift’s boom was extended to a height of 45 feet. OSHA inspectors noted several safety violations, including that the lift was placed on uneven ground and the lanyard on Miranda’s fall protection system was not attached to the lift. OSHA also concluded that Skyline had failed to train Miranda to recognize such a hazard, an important requirement of the agency’s standards. As such, Skyline was cited for one serious violation and two willful violations, totaling $102,900. The company must comply with the penalties and citations and meet with OSHA’s area director within 15 days from the receipt of the citations, or contest the findings within that time frame.

“This incident and the needless death that resulted were preventable. Kevin Miranda’s employer was well aware of the necessary safety requirements, yet disregarded them,” said OSHA’s area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts, Kenneth Shedden. “Safety standards exist for a good reason: to prevent incidents such as this, and the deaths and injuries that can result. Employers must know and adhere to all applicable standards. The lives and well-being of their employees depend on it.”

Falls Are Number One Cause of Construction-Related Fatalities

According to OSHA, falls are the top cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Fatal falls are often the result of unstable working surfaces, and / or failure to use appropriate fall protection equipment. Both were factors in Miranda’s death. If the lift had been placed on stable ground and Miranda’s fall protection system had been properly attached to the operator’s basket or boom, he might still be alive today. Continue reading