Mar 10, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Dangerous jobs come in all forms and fashions. From a soldier to a bank teller, and those who serve our communities— there are all kinds of risks involved in nearly every profession. However, we want to take a moment and focus on those who risk their lives daily to keep us safe and save the things that we hold dear to us. We see firefighters on the scenes of car accidents, home fires, and just about any accident that happens in our communities. These first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us out of harm’s way. But, what about their safety? Firefighter safety is something that often falls to the wayside because they’re so busy focusing on our safety. However, they are at high risk for a number of injuries…
Firefighter Safety and Injuries
Sprains, Strains, and Pains
Oddly enough, the most common injuries for firefighters to face, are sprains, strains, and muscle pains as a result of non-fire-related issues. If you consider what a firefighter has to do on a daily basis— much of it is waiting to hear that call. Therefore, they might be sitting down having a meal, taking a nap, or in the shower. The next thing they know, that alarm goes off and they jump up to hit the road. These quick, jarring movements can easily lead to an injury. Therefore, when you consider firefighter safety, you have to consider the benefits of a good stretch…
Burns and Respiratory Damage
We all remember being in elementary school and having the fire department pay a visit. They told us what to do in the event of a fire, as well as what to do if we ourselves happen to catch on fire. While this is an extremely serious issue to face— it’s not quite as common for us as it is for them. When it comes to firefighter safety, and injuries, burns are one of the most obvious injuries that people might guess. However, due to the current technology— they aren’t as common as you might think. From their suits to their respirators— there are a lot of different pieces in play to prevent issues. However, they will still inevitably happen.
Unexpected Falling Items
As we’ve mentioned, burns are not massively common amongst firefighters because they have the gear to beat them. However, most burns that do happen, happen as a result of a firefighter getting trapped inside of a building. They’re pulling someone out, checking for a missing animal, and next thing you know— a beam, or a wall falls down, leaving them trapped. While these incidents are largely unexpected, finding a way to keep them to a minimum is a priority in terms of firefighter safety. That’s where training comes into play…
Training and Preparation
The majority of firefighter safety, and common injuries, come into play in the form of proper training. A firefighter’s duty is not something to take lightly. While most firefighters know, accept, and honor that— accidents do happen. Therefore, when you face an unexpected injury, it’s important that you treat it with care. After all, not everyone can do what you do.
Mar 3, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
Work burnout is something that can hit everyone at any job. Sometimes, the burnout can get so bad, it leaves employees wondering if they should look for another job. However, there are some methods for preventing burnout that can help make work enjoyable again…
Preventing Burnout: Get Re-Energized
Start the day right
It’s possible to start working on preventing burnout before your workday even begins. Many people will wake up and head straight to work in the mornings. However, it’s a good idea to give yourself some personal time before heading out.
It helps to take 10-15 minutes in the morning for yourself. You can use this time to relax and prepare yourself for the day ahead. You’ll be able to handle whatever it is work throws at you with the right mindset.
Manage your workload
Having an overwhelming workload can also cause feelings of burnout. That’s why a large part of preventing burnout means balancing out your workload. You should figure out what you needto do vs. what you canalso do at the workplace.
Teamwork is an important part of many jobs. However, there’s a difference between teamwork and someone shirking their responsibilities. If someone keeps asking for help and isn’t putting in the effort they should, let them know you have to focus on your own work first. After all, your own work quality shouldn’t suffer because of someone else.
Balance work and personal demands
For some, it’s difficult to find a balance between their work and social lives. Many times, their work will follow them home and so will the stress. That’s why it’s important to find that balance for preventing burnout.
If you can, try to leave your work at the workplace. Instead, spend that time off from work with friends and family. Or, you can pursue new or old hobbies, or just relax. Whatever it may be, taking that time for yourself is useful in avoiding burnout.
Preventing burnout is important for keeping an optimistic outlook on your work, and also keeping potentially careless incidents at bay. Taking steps to avoid those feelings, and injuries, you will improve your work quality, as well as enjoy your time away from the workplace.
Feb 21, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
When you work from a desk, neck ad back pain seems pretty inevitable. You’re sitting in one spot, sometimes in an uncomfortable chair, and you’re looking down to stare into a computer. Each of these things, and the combination of them, put you at increased risk for neck and back pain. So, what can you do to reduce office-related back pain and neck pain? There are few no-brainers, as well as a few adjustments that might be a hassle— but will absolutely be worth saving yourself from these pains.
Office-Related Back Pain & Neck Pain: Avoid Unnecessary Pain
Posture
We mentioned that a few of these office-related back pain helpers would be no-brainers like this. However, good posture is at the height of the problem for many office workers. Most all of us are aware of what good posture looks like, and what it feels like. While good posture is something everyone should practice— that’s not to say it’s easy.
Good posture requires being mindful of your body. Furthermore, it requires that you right those wrongs when you notice that you’ve gotten lazy. As we’ve mentioned, having good posture isn’t as easy as wanting to do so. Many of us will notice ourselves slumped during the workday. Consider setting yourself hourly reminders, or even looking into ergonomic office chairs and lumbar support. Posture is one of the most important factors in reducing office-related back pain.
Work standing up from time to time
Many offices nowadays offer standing desks, or some sort of converted work space for those who prefer to work from a standing position. While you obviously won’t want to spend every hour of every day working from a standing position— consider spending an hour or two a day from this position. Office-related back pain, while posture has a lot to do with it, also has a little something to do with staying in one position all day, and also the compression of your vertebrae from sitting in one spot all day. Choose to stand from time to time to promote good posture and a happy spine.
Adjust the height of your computer and keyboard
Adjust the height of the thing you’re staring at all day— and put it at eye level. By making this small step, you’ll take a lot of stress off of your neck. You’ll want to put your screen at nose level, and your keyboard at an angle that allows foe your elbows to bend at 90 degrees. The key to avoiding office-related back pain, and neck pain, is to find ways to reduce stress on your neck and back. This can be done in a number of different ways, but these few have proven to be beneficial to us…
Feb 17, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
When you do heavy lifting during your work day, it can be easy to let your safe lifting techniques fall to the wayside. In turn, it can also be easy to end up with muscle strains, pains, and tears as a result. These injuries are small in the grand scheme of worker’s comp injuries. However, they can be quite pesky to deal with, and may take a long time to heal if you don’t treat them properly…
Muscle Strains: Injury, Treatment, and Recovery
What qualifies as a muscle strain?
Muscle strains refer to damages made to your muscle, and the tendons that connect to it. When you put stress on your muscles during work by lifting heavy items, making sporadic movement, or something of the sort— you have the potential to face muscle strains, pulls, and tears which can stop you in your tracks. Damage to your muscles can result in bruising, pain, irritation, and even damage to blood vessels in the remote area.
How do I know if I have a muscle strain?
You may notice muscle strains from the swelling, bruising, redness, pain, and lack of regular mobility. You might not see a doctor for muscle strains when you receive them on your one time. But, it is best to visit a doctor when you receive one at work. You’ll need a few days to heal, rest up, and get back to 100% so that muscle strain doesn’t worsen. However, you don’t want to lose out on necessary pay when you can’t perform your full work duties.
Claiming a strain on worker’s compensation
To be able to take time off of work, heal up, and still receive payment— you’ll likely need to claim your injury through worker’s compensation. Speak to your employer, explain your issue, and fill out the necessary paperwork. Furthermore, you’ll have to see a doctor, confirm your injury, and recovery plan, to receive those benefits.
When it comes to muscle strains and injuries in the workplace, do not take them lightly. While a strain might seem small— any untreated injury can turn into a big problem. Therefore, take your time, see a doctor, and follow their advice when it comes to a healing timeline. We wish you luck in treating your injury. Furthermore, we offer our condolences for this difficult time, and extend our services if you find that you may need them.
Therefore, take your time, see a doctor, and follow their advice when it comes to a healing timeline. We wish you luck in treating your injury. Furthermore, we offer our condolences for this difficult time, and extend our services if you find that you may need them.
Feb 14, 2019 | Work Injuries, Workers' Compensation
Owning a business, especially for the first time, comes with a bit of a learning curve. You have employees, finances, and sometimes— an ‘oops’ that helps you to learn a little bit more about the process. Take, for example, an accident that leads to injury. No matter your experience, it can be nerve-wracking to see your employee hurt. Not to mention, you have to provide worker’s comp, and make sure your injured worker’s responsibilities are taken care of while they’re down and out. Avoiding worker’s compensation claims is a top priority for business owners. But, how do you do that? Putting workspace safety measures in place is a first step to reducing worker injuries, and avoiding costly claims.
Workspace Safety Measures: Avoiding Costly Claims for Business Owners
Set a standard
The best way to avoid injury in the workplace is to set those workspace safety measures from day one. Create a protocol, set a standard of safety, and check in on those measures. Every business is different, as are the common injuries. No matter the field you’re working in, or the type of establishment— you know your business. Therefore, you also understand the risk that comes with it with it. So, you can prepare as such. As you build a business plan, make your workspace safety measures part of the process.
Enforce those standards
Most business owners will have workspace safety measures in mind. However, it’s enforcing those standards is the real key. Consider quarterly safety meetings where you go over stats, safety measures, and encourage your employees to watch out for themselves, and for their coworkers. Holding employees accountable for safety is a great way to start.
Offer incentives for safety milestones
While workspace safety measures are mostly concerned with direct safety practice— there is also that aspect of accountability. Many people are driven by the thought avoiding an injury. However, accidents still happen. Not to mention, some employees might find the benefit of worker’s compensation more appealing than working every day… So, how do you reward those who work hard and stay safe? But, also encourage those who might take advantage, to avoid doing so?
Offer incentives for hitting certain goals and practicing workspace safety measures! For every 90 days without an injury, give your employees something to look forward to. Take your employees to dinner, provide breakfast, or give them a small bonus. While these events do cost money— consider what you’re saving in worker’s compensation claims.
Jan 24, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
There are plenty of different types when it comes to personal injury— most of which cover physical injuries. From worker’s injuries, a slip, something falling on you while walking down the sidewalk… In short, anything can happen at any time, no matter where you’re at. This is where premises liability comes in…
Premises Liability: Understanding Personal Injury Law
Premises liability is a concept that covers personal injury cases which result from unsafe conditions on a person’s property. That person might be a friend, a family member, or even a business. But, when you face serious injury at someone, or something, else’s expense— there are laws in place to protect you.
It may be difficult to bring a premises liability case against someone you’re familiar with. But, sometimes, it is the only way to avoid paying hefty medical bills. Furthermore, having this injury and recovery process paid for will make the healing process go much more smoothly.
Owner responsibility
There is a certain lawful standard for property owners. Furthermore, there is a certain level of maintenance law requires to keep your property in safe and working order. While every state varies a bit in their requirements— there is a standard of ‘reasonable care’.
It starts when you receive an invite to someone’s property, or have permission in some capacity. Then, maybe you go, and trip over a broken walkway. You now have a sprained ankle, bruise on your hip, and a cut on your face. When you receive an invite, you expect that you’ll be safe. Therefore, when the property is unsafe, and you face injury, premises liability can come into play.
What falls into a premises liability category?
- slips and falls
- dog bites
- improper maintenance of the property
- faulty conditions which result in injury
- fire
- snow and ice
- amusement park injury
- improper security systems which result in assault
These few incidents don’t capture the entirety of premises liability. However, they do give you a good idea of what goes where. You might be wondering whether or not you have a case for premises liability. In this instance, it’s best to speak with an attorney and explain what happened. By sharing the details, a professional will be able to give you your options. Furthermore, an attorney will help you find your quickest path to reimbursement and recovery.
