May 20, 2020 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Since 2014, fatal workplace injuries due to fires have been decreasing. This is in large part due to better workplace fire safety. Knowing what you can do in your workplace to prevent and handle fires can help keep you and your coworkers safe…
Workplace Fire Safety: Setting Safety Protocol
Watch for fire hazards
It’s important to be aware of potential fire hazards in the workplace. After all, good workplace fire safety means taking a proactive approach. However, different workplaces can have different fire hazards. Therefore, you should be aware of the unique hazards you might find. Common fire hazards include flammable liquids, gases, and high-heat equipment. Dusty workplaces also pose a fire risk, especially if you’re using tools that cause sparks. Even piles of papers and cardboard can be fire hazards due to them potentially being fuel if a fire breaks out.
Have fire extinguishers ready
If a fire does break out in the workplace, you need to know how to handle it. Smaller fires can potentially be put out with the use of a fire extinguisher. That’s why good fire extinguisher knowledge is key for workplace fire safety. You should know where your workplace keeps their fire extinguishers at all time. Additionally, make sure you know how to properly use the extinguishers as well. If you don’t feel confident, you can ask your supervisor to go over how to use them just in case.
Have an exit plan
If a fire breaks out that can’t be controlled by an extinguisher, then you need to have an exit plan. Know where the quickest exit routes are and follow them in the case of a fire. You should also have other routes memorized just in case your main route is inaccessible. Try to go over your emergency workplace fire safety plan with your supervisor. This will help you know where you need to go and what you should do when you get there.
Many workplaces will also have diagrams posted with exit routes as well for you to check. Good workplace fire safety is important for keeping you safe in case a fire breaks out. Remember that your safety is the priority. If the fire is out of hand, evacuate and let the professionals handle it.
Mar 11, 2020 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Depending on your job, You might find yourself having to lift and move objects during your shift. That means it’s especially important to know what the proper lifting techniques are. Not lifting properly could cause some problems for you now and in the future…
Proper Lifting: Keep Your Body Safe
Know your body’s limits
Even if you consider yourself to be pretty strong, everyone has their limits. Trying to work past these limits could open you up to an increased injury risk. That’s why proper lifting practices means knowing these limits and working around them.
The recommended maximum weight for a person to carry solo is about 50 pounds. Anything weighing more than this should be approached differently. For example, you can ask for some help from another co-worker. You can also make use of tools like forklifts, carts, or hand trucks to move those heavier items without straining yourself.
Technique is key
It’s also important to practice proper lifting techniques. Improper lifting techniques tend to be a major source of lifting-related injuries. The most common of these are back injuries and pain, which one-half of all working Americans have claimed to experience.
When lifting a heavy object, use your legs to lift instead of your back. This will help reduce the strain on your back. Lift straight up, and try to keep the object close at about the mid-chest level. Avoid twisting while lifting too, as this could shift the weight onto your sides and back.
Take breaks
Not only should you watch how you lift, but also how often you’re lifting. Constantly lifting and moving heavy objects can increase your injury risks even if you’re using proper lifting techniques. That’s why an important part of proper lifting is knowing when to take breaks.
Try to break your work into shorter segments rather than doing it all in one go. That will help your muscles not get fatigued as quickly. Also, try to rotate tasks between yourself and other employees, so you all are able to get a break in-between tasks. Once you’re able to take a break, try to do some stretches to keep your muscles loose so they won’t tense up once you get back to work.
Aug 14, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
Product liability cases may come about after injury you receive from a purchased product. Typically, when buying a product, you expect it to work as advertised. However, when things don’t quite go to plan, and you face injury, you might wonder if you have a case. But, for what exactly? You know something went wrong, and are hurt as a result…
Product Liability Cases: What Qualifies?
Defective design
Defect in design is one of the most common types of product liability issues. Maybe your car has a high center of gravity. Therefore, during a minor accident, your car flips and you face an injury. Product liability comes in all forms and fashions. However, these can be fatal if the company does not make you aware, and give you the chance to return the product.
Defective manufacturing
Defective manufacturing is not directly related to the product design in product liability cases. But, instead, it relates to how the product was put together. Maybe the screws for a bike are loose, and you fall into traffic. Or, they missed padding inside of a helmet. The issue with a product can vary. But, in this case, it was not due to the design. Instead it is due to how the bike was put together.
Defective marketing
You might not consider it, but marketing can also play a role in the danger of a product. Maybe the team behind this product failed to apply warning labels, or give you the proper safety measures. Most any product should come with warnings. For example, failing to label a cup of extremely hot coffee, which results in a burn constitutes product liability.
Understanding Benefits
In the event of product liability injuries, it is important to know what your benefits could be. Depending on your injury in the product liability case, you might end up with some pretty hefty medical bills. In that case, your way of life might change as you recover. Every case is different, as is the injury. Therefore, compensation for that injury might be completely necessary to your healing.
Jul 12, 2019 | Accident prevention, Work Injuries
Cuts are some of the most common injuries in the workplace. Now, you might not think a simple cut is all that bad. However, depending on the location and depth, cuts can cause some serious damage. Not to mention, potential infection. As a result, it’s important to practice proper cut prevention techniques. That way, you can remain safe while on the job…
Cut Prevention: Avoiding Workplace Injuries
Good tool safety
Cuts are most commonly caused by sharp tools, objects, or blades. For example, you could be working with a pair of scissors, knives, a saw, sheet metal… There are plenty of hazards in every workplace that has the potential to cause injury. Therefore, it’s important to observe the workplace, acknowledge hazards, and practice proper tool safety in order to achieve injury and cut prevention.
Always try to be careful when handling any sharp tools. For example, make sure to keep them away from your body when using them. You’ll also want to keep them properly put up whenever you’re not using them. Make sure to use good quality tools as well. Your chances of injury go up when you use broken or dull tools instead of safer, sharper ones.
Take your time
People tend to make more mistakes when they rush through things. For instance, you probably know that if you try to rush through your work, it won’t be as good as when you take your time. This same principle applies when using sharp objects. As a result, patience is key when practicing cut prevention techniques.
Try to take things slow when you’re using sharp objects. Rushing could increase the chances of you accidentally cutting your fingers or hands. Also, follow any special instructions that are related to what you’re doing. Trying to do your own thing, even for something you might see as “simple”, could prove to be dangerous.
Use safety gear
Proper safety gear goes a long way for proper cut prevention. This kind of gear is very useful for preventing cuts and other potential injuries. However, it’s important to make sure you pick the right gear for the job.
For example, good cutting gear can include goggles, cut-resistant gloves, and long-sleeved shirts. Goggles will help protect your eyes from the sharp tools in the event that they slip or break. The gloves will, of course, help keep your hands cut-free. Long-sleeves also cover your arms, keeping them shielded from the sharp tools.
Jun 20, 2019 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Work Injuries
Trip planning is a crucial skill for all truck drivers. Properly planning ahead can make your trip much more smoother. That way, you can be prepared for anything which might come your way…
Trip Planning: Prepare For Your Drive
Check your route
Your trip planning, of course, will probably begin with you plotting out your route. Now, you’ll want to make sure you plan the best route you can. This means using multiple resources to check the road ahead, even if you have a “favorite”. A new one might give you a time advantage that you would’ve never known about otherwise.
A GPS will be your best friend in this situation. These can help you plot out the best route before you begin driving. Plus, apps like Google Maps or Waze let you turn your smartphone into a quick and efficient GPS. These apps also have a nice advantage, as they will update in real-time and alert you to accidents, detours, or faster routes.
Plan for breaks
It’s also important to make room for brakes in your trip planning. Some drivers think that they can just push through their drives and don’t need to take breaks. However, this can lead to increased fatigue and burnout, which can impact the trucker’s driving ability. This kind of risk isn’t worth any potential time-saving you think you might get.
A generally rule of thumb is to plan for both longer and shorter breaks. Longer breaks can be ones where you take some time to stop and get something to eat. Shorter breaks can be for when you stop for fuel, to use the bathroom, or to just stretch. Make sure you plan these breaks in safe places, and have backups in mind just in case.
Watch the weather
The weather might get overlooked when you do your initial trip planning. After all, if you’re in your truck, then it won’t matter if the sky is clear, right? However, the biggest thing is to look for when the weather is being not-so-pleasant.
Inclement weather like heavy rain or snow can really get in the way of your trip. You can expect not only a tougher time driving, but also a lot more traffic than usual. Plus, some roads might be in so poor shape that you can’t drive on them. As a result, it always helps to double-check before you head out and have a backup just in case.
May 26, 2019 | Work, Work Injuries
Most, if not all of us, have heard of Memorial Day, and celebrated it in some way over the years. Whether you attend a backyard barbecue, fireworks, or spend the day on the lake— Memorial Day is a time to celebrate. However, many people don’t quite understand what Memorial day stands for. Let alone, it’s history, and why it’s worth taking the time to observe. Therefore, on this Memorial Day, we’re going to take a moment to dive into the history. Furthermore, what it means to military families, veterans, and those who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom…
Memorial Day: History, Significance, and Observance
History
Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May. It goes to honor the men and women who have died while serving the United States within the military. In it’s beginning, this holiday was called Decoration Day. Memorial, or Decoration, Day began in the years after the Civil War, and was observed through visiting cemeteries, holding memorials and gatherings. In some areas, there will even be a parade to honor the fallen, and mark the beginning of the summer.
Why did it get its start?
The Civil War was more deadly than any other conflict in U.S. history to date. Due to the magnitude of loss, the government establishes the first national cemeteries. Furthermore, a day of mourning began organically across towns in the U.S. While the true origin of this holiday is not exact, Waterloo declares itself the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966.
Why the last Monday of May?
In its beginning, May 30th was the day of observance. However, in 1968, Congress passes an act to makes the last Monday of May Memorial Day instead— regardless of the date. Their purpose in doing this was to create a universal three-day weekend for federal employees.
Observance
Memorial Day is now largely a day of grilling, good company, and cold drinks. However, it’s important to understand why this holiday is in effect, and why we take time to honor those who make the ultimate sacrifice. So, during your celebration— take a moment. 3:00 p.m. on the dot is the national moment of remembrance. Honor those who serve, remember those who were lost, and celebrate the lives of both. To all veterans, military families, and officials— we salute you, and celebrate your hard work and sacrifice.
