Conveyor belts cause injuries to workers in every manner of the workplace, from warehouses to factories. Conveyor belts are dangerous heavy machines that move thousands of pounds of material and objects daily and can easily crush a human worker’s hand or limb. Conveyor Belts Can Cause Serious Injuries Conveyor belts are ubiquitous. They are present in grocery stores, warehouses, factories, and even in some restaurants. Conveyor belts eliminate thousands of hours of labor that would otherwise be spent by humans pushing carts or carrying objects back and forth. Conveyor belts are great at reducing stress on human bodies and improving […]
When celebrating Halloween this year, there are steps that people can take to keep the holiday safe and free of tragedies. The following are some precautions that can help prevent accidents and injuries during holiday celebrations. Safe Trick-or-Treating One of the biggest risks that children face when trick-or-treating is accidents due to low visibility. Low lighting and dark costume colors can make it difficult for drivers to see trick-or-treaters in the evening, potentially leading to pedestrian accidents and serious injuries. Wearing lighter colors or reflectors and staying in lighter areas can help reduce the risk of these accidents. To help keep […]
Workers’ compensation settlement agreements are comprehensive agreements that seek to settle all or most aspects of a workers’ compensation claim, including payment of medical bills, lost wages, legal fees, vocational training, and other related issues. These agreements will govern how the company and the worker move forward, including whether they will be offered their previous job back or if a new position will be made available. In exchange, the worker usually agrees to waive claims against the company. Structure of the Settlement Agreement The settlement agreement will describe how the claimant will be paid: lump sum or installments. Most payments […]
White Line Fever, or Highway Hypnosis, is a type of trance that drivers can experience after driving for long periods of time. Drivers most often describe the sensation as getting into their car to head home and suddenly realizing that they made it home without recollection of the time passing during the journey. Highway Hypnosis Explained Highway Hypnosis is similar to a trance-like state. Drivers enter this state when their navigate function goes into “auto-pilot.” Highway Hypnosis occurs when someone drives the same route routinely, and the road is unchanging. It is sometimes called White Line Fever because the white […]
According to a recent report by the AFL-CIO, over 100,000 workers are killed or disabled while on the job every year. The report argues that the United States can and must do more to improve workplace safety. The AFL-CIO is one of the oldest and largest unions in the country. It represents millions of workers across dozens of industries and is a leader for workers’ rights and safety protections. The 2021 edition of Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect notes that since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, approximately 627,000 workers’ lives have been saved since […]
The Social Security Blue Book (or the “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security” handbook) lays out the procedure for how the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) determines if an applicant qualifies for disability benefits. The Blue Book contains the key guidelines applicants must follow to receive disability compensation. Using the Blue Book The first section of the Blue Book describes Social Security and the programs. Applicants can review this section for which programs they may qualify under and what they can expect to receive. The first section provides general information and is not determinative for any specific application. The second section describes […]
Internal hemorrhage, or internal bleeding, occurs when blood leaks inside the human body. Blood is transported around the body in blood vessels, and when one of these ruptures, it can result in internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can cause blood to spill into the body’s cavities such as the abdomen, pelvis, thighs, and chest. Internal bleeding is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention. The Basics of Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding is hard to detect because it is entirely internal. Therefore, everyone who might have been injured in a car or workplace accident should see a doctor. Internal bleeding is […]
Workplace safety has come a long way since it was first pioneered in 1971 with the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). Workplace safety is an ongoing project with continually revised procedures, new technology, and changes to workplace culture. Early Innovation in Workplace Safety Innovations in workplace safety span from the 1950s to the present day. In 1954, Liberty Mutual opened Research Institute for Safety, which released the preeminent Manual-Handling Task Guidelines. These guidelines outlined the maximum weights and forces that workers can safely lift, pull, push, or lower without substantial fatigue on their body. In 1969, a […]
The Social Security Administration (SSD) routinely denies disability insurance claims, which, while discouraging, is not the end of the claim process. If a claim is denied, the applicant has 60 days to file an appeal. The applicant must file his or her appeal within the 60-day time limit, or he or she will have to file a new application for coverage. If the applicant files a new application, he or she may not receive payments to cover ongoing medical and daily living expenses. The Denial Letter Per social security disability rules and regulations, the Social Security Administration must mail every […]
According to World Against Toy Causing Harm (WATCH), a Boston-based non-profit oriented safety organization, the following ten toys are sold with impractical warning instructions and encourage violent or aggressive play that could result in injuries to children. WATCH emphasizes that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, free play and toys are more important than ever. Toys That Lead to Child Injury 1. Calico Critters Nursery Friend The package identifies the toy as ideal for ages 3 and up. However, WATCH warns that many of these toys are small and appealing to oral-age children who may choke on the small hazards. 2. […]
