An about-face in OSHA reporting

Mar 25 2019

Will a 180 turn by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – admittedly under a new presidency – make it more difficult to track workplace dangers? OSHA doesn’t think so. Citing privacy risks, the high-profile government entity overturned a 2016 rule established during the Obama administration. Businesses with 250 or more employees will no longer be required to electronically submit annual reports on every work-related employee injury or illness. OSHA will still require those employers to document all data on the forms and preserve the paperwork should it be needed by their inspectors. Businesses must still provide summaries of…

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Seeing workplace dangers hiding in plain sight

Mar 19 2019

The National Safety Council wants employees to employ a more artistic approach when it comes to potential hazards. While no one is drawing Tippy or painting the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, they are being tasked to look at their work surroundings in an entirely new way. Welcome to “visual literacy,” an “art of seeing art” concept introduced by The Toledo Museum of Art to the occupational safety field in 2015. While an art museum and a manufacturing plant seem worlds apart, common ground has been established. Instead of words, visual literacy helps gain understanding through images. A high-profile example would be…

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The Growing Problem Of Violence Against Healthcare Workers

Mar 13 2019

Yelled at. Spat on. Hit. Pushed. For far too many healthcare professionals, these acts of aggression are sadly just another day at the office. Maintaining safety in the workplace requires proactive steps. Yet, for healthcare workers, nothing can account for the violently reactive nature of their patients. Focusing on the well-being of those they care for often puts these dedicated professionals in the line of fire. From 2002 to 2013, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that serious workplace violence in the healthcare industry requiring time off was four times as common as private industry. The U.S. Bureau of…

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Addressing the physical risks that come with firefighting

Mar 08 2019

Few jobs present more dangers than what firefighters face on a day to day basis. The stress goes beyond the frustration that comes with any job. Their duties are perilous and involve everything from climbing ladders and pulling hoses to entering burning homes and buildings. The risks and challenges involved in their day-to-day responsibilities take a physical toll.  Firefighting is not just a job. Anyone who takes on the responsibilities will likely claim that they are called to the profession. For them, it’s a lifestyle. Firefighters are on call 24 hours a day and must drop whatever they are doing…

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Former NFL player killed over a parking dispute

Feb 21 2019

A former NFL player was killed over a parking dispute at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Colorado. According to CNN, Anthony “T.J.” Cunningham was shot by his neighbor over a parking dispute on Feb. 17, and he died at the hospital the next day. Cunningham played for the University of Colorado and then was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1996. He had been working as an assistant principal at Hinkley High School, which is also in Aurora. The neighbors were texting about a parking dispute Cunningham texted his neighbor, Marcus Johnson, hours before the shooting. The two were exchanging…

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How common is “trucker tendonitis?”

Jan 14 2019

Truck drivers deal with many challenges on the roads, from drunk drivers to long hauls with little rest. But the most significant danger most drivers face lurks below the stirring wheel through Achilles tendonitis. Driving for extended periods wears down on the body, including your ability to heal. The more your drive, the worse the problem will get. Eventually, it may affect your ability to work, drive or even walk. What is tendonitis? According to the Mayo Clinic, Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon — a thick cord that attaches a muscle to a bone. Frequently, it causes…

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Filing A Social Security Disability Claim

Jan 01 2019

Many people think that filing a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim in Denver is a simple process. However, initial claims are routinely denied. That is why it is important to have legal counsel on your side to help guide you through this process and to put you in the best position for success when it comes to getting the benefits that you deserve. At the law firm of Alverson + O’Brien, our Denver lawyers are committed to providing knowledgeable advice and guidance to disabled individuals who are no longer able to work as they once did. We can help navigate…

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Flight attendants are at risk for serious work-related injuries

Dec 06 2018

Being a flight attendant is not as glamorous as it looks, especially when considering the serious risks you face. The back, neck and shoulders are the most commonly injured areas among flight attendants, though almost any part of the body can be affected by serious in-flight accidents. Common causes for injuries include: Turbulence and hard landings Lifting heavy baggage into overhead bins Items falling from overhead bins Pulling a heavy beverage cart Awkward movements required to maneuver in a narrow aisle Slipping and falling The risk for injuries can increase because of the fast-paced schedule required by your job. Jet…

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The most dangerous time of the year for grocery workers

Oct 29 2018

Two of the most celebratory holidays in the nation are slowly approaching. The air is getting colder, the amount of people coming in the store increases and the two most important months for grocery workers to stay on their feet begin. With cashiers, baggers, cleaners and deli workers trying to keep up with the holiday shoppers, it can be easy to overlook some of the most dangerous parts of the job that could leave you with a severe injury. While these issues are present in your workplace year-round, they are the most prevalent when shoppers start coming in during November…

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Are you using the right respirator at work?

Sep 28 2018

Respirator protection is continually listed as one of most violated standards, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If your line of work involves a lot of dust, smoke or other noxious fumes and gases, you’re probably privy to the necessity of a respirator. But, are you sure if you’re using the right one? Using the wrong respirator may defeat the purpose of wearing one at all. How do I know which respirator is right for my work? Your employers should evaluate the respiratory hazards you are exposed to. Depending on the hazard, There are two major types of…

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