How safe is my North Carolina industrial workplace?
Like other places across America, the state of North Carolina takes workplace safety quite seriously. However, despite any government-sponsored laws or guidelines, not all workplaces provide a safe working environment. It is a great idea to ask questions in order to develop an understanding of how safe a work location really is, but you can also learn by paying attention to how things are done at your place of work.
Working in industrial settings carries a little more risk than working in an office or a retail setting. However, the risk is very minimal when the proper safety procedures are firmly in place. If you are new to industrial employment, here are just a few things to look for in determining if your workplace is safe.
Training and information
The authorities in a safe industrial workplace make sure all employees are well informed about the industry itself, the work environment and any risks associated with the job. This means no employee is allowed to perform work without proper training. It also means the employers provide regular ongoing safety training.
Clear safety policies
Another way employers promote safety is by providing employees with formal safety policies addressing emergencies and other topics. In best-case scenarios, these documents are posted throughout the workplace and kept up-to-date.
Well maintained safety gear
Without the proper safety gear, workplace injury risk increases. Pay attention to the gear your employer provides and look for worn parts, damage and other signs the gear may not be working properly.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Even workers in the safest environments can suffer from a workplace accident. Make sure you are covered for accidents by asking your employers if workers’ compensation insurance is provided.
If an accident does occur and you experience difficulty with your workers’ compensation claim, you should seek legal advice from a North Carolina attorney as soon as possible.
Source: Reliable Plant, “How Safe is Your Workplace?,” accessed June 30, 2015
What are the risks of working around asbestos?
For decades, it has been widely-known that asbestos can cause life-threatening illnesses and diseases. Asbestos is made up of minerals that can be used in several industries. The danger occurs when asbestos is disturbed or degrades and tiny particles are released into the atmosphere. Before this knowledge became widespread, many people suffered or perished due to asbestos exposure in the workplace as well as in buildings or homes containing asbestos.
Fortunately, these illnesses and deaths have taught employers and organizations like Occupational Safety and Health Administration many lessons about the substance. It is now possible to work around asbestos if absolutely necessary by following strict safety guidelines at all times. However, it is still important to understand fully the hazards associated with this dangerous material before performing any work with or near asbestos.
Here are some of the most significant dangers asbestos can present to North Carolina workers.
— Inhaled asbestos fibers present in the lungs for extended periods can scar lung tissue and cause respiratory problems– According to Department of Health and Human Services, asbestos can increase the risks of contracting mesothelioma and lung cancer– Some studies show a link between exposure to asbestos and colorectal or gastrointestinal cancers– Asbestos exposure increases the risk of asbestosis, an inflammatory illness of the lungs that can result in shortness of breath, permanent lung damage and coughing
If you are considering employment that may expose you to asbestos, it is crucial to make sure you receive proper training and that the work conforms to OSHA’s asbestos standards. If you believe you have already been injured by asbestos in your job, consider consulting with an attorney as soon as possible.
Source: National Cancer Institute, “Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk,” accessed June 22, 2015
Injured North Carolina industrial workers who have had no prior experience with the workers’ compensation process frequently feel confused about their rights and duties. Often, employers can answer questions injured workers may have, but in some cases, the employer does not have the right information. If you have recently been injured at work or would simply like to educate yourself about workers’ compensation, here are a few basic facts to consider.
Workers’ comp coverage: Most industrial employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This protects both the workforce and the employer and includes some form of coverage for independent contractors as well as salaried staff.
Reporting injuries: The very first step following a workplace injury is to report the incident in writing as well as orally to employers. If the injury is so severe it prevents immediate reporting, be sure to make an official written report within 30 days.
No coverage: If an employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, the injured worker must report the absence of coverage to the NCIC Fraud Section. There are several forms the injured worker can complete outside of the workplace to facilitate his or her injury claim.
Employer refusal: If an employer refuses to report an injury to the workers’ comp insurance carrier, an injured worker can fill out separate forms to further a claim. Engaging a workers’ comp attorney is also a good proactive step as it is against the law for employers to refuse their duty of reporting injuries.
Remember, workers’ compensation is your right as part of the North Carolina workforce. If you experience difficulties getting your claim approved or with any other aspect of workers’ comp, an attorney can help you seek satisfaction.
Source: North Carolina Industrial Commission, “Frequently Asked Questions,” accessed June 16, 2015
Considering how often we’re reminded not to use our phones at work, it may come as a surprise that certain smartphone apps are actually welcome in the workplace. In fact, mobile apps were among the hottest topics at a recent conference for environmental, health and safety professionals. The topic was so important to the folks at the American Society of Safety Engineers that its national director of compliance programs performed an exhaustive review of what’s currently available and published a list of the Top 10 most valuable safety apps:
- OSHA Heat Safety Tool
- NIOSH Pocket Guide (to hazardous chemicals)
- NIOSH Ladder Safety
- Fall Clear Lite
- Electrical Safety Tests
- ILO Ergonomic Checkpoints
- I-Auditor
- Incident Cost Calculator
- AccuWeather
- Pocket First Aid
Even if you’re not a safety professional, these apps can provide you with a quick guide on how to handle workplace hazards safely. Working outdoors? Check out that OSHA Heat Safety Tool. If you notice a new chemical being used, for example, you could check the NIOSH Pocket Guide for MSDS information and first aid instructions. Unclear on whether the safety equipment you’ve been given will prevent you from a dangerous fall? Fall Clear Lite makes it easy to figure out.
These apps might make a real difference. For example, many people don’t realize the dangers of working out in the sun and heat — even experienced North Carolinians. Not only that, but many indoor work environments, such as foundries, can expose workers to excessive heat. Whether you’re used to the heat or not, OSHA says that thousands of people suffer from serious heat-related illnesses every year — and some die.
An occupational illness or injury doesn’t have to be the result of a physical accident to be covered by workers’ compensation, and employers have the legal responsibility to provide reasonably safe work environments. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t take your safety into your own hands at work. Consider downloading some of these apps — most of them are even free.
Construction industry jobs often offer good pay during the building season. However, this type of work can also include employees suffering from construction injuries. One such incident at a North Carolina high school has caused several workers to be injured.
The late morning accident is said to have happened when the temporary staging structure fell apart while the work crew were on it. The construction workers were continuing work on the planned addition to the school. Eight employees were said to have been injured. Of the total injured, two were hurt severely enough to have required helicopters to take them to hospitals.
It was reported that there were possibly more than 12 workers on the scaffold when it collapsed. Some of the workers fell more than 29 feet. Six workers required medical care at other area medical centers. There have been no released reports concerning the condition of any of the injured crew. North Carolina safety officers are said to be conducting an investigation into the possible reasons why the structure may have failed.
The workers that have suffered from these construction injuries may require a long time to heal from their wounds. They will most likely apply for workers’ compensation that has been designed to provide them with monetary assistance while they are unable to work. All states have a form of this insurance program for employees that suffer work related injuries or illnesses. North Carolina has this program available for their workers as well as additional resources that can help if an employee encounters difficulties while attempting to collect their benefits.
Source: hamptonroads.com, “8 workers injured when scaffolding collapses in N.C.,” Aug. 13, 2013
Construction workers are typically aware of the increased risk of dangers that come from working in their industry. Dangers run the gamut from being injured while running dangerous equipment to scaffolding collapses when working above the ground. One recent scaffolding collapse led to eight workers suffering various injuries at a North Carolina high school. The construction workers were busy adding to an extension at McDowell High School in Marion.
The scaffolding collapse occurred in the morning on a recent Monday and caused eight workers to plummet nearly 40 feet as the scaffolding broke apart. Emergency workers rushed to the scene and had to free at least two workers who were cut off from easy escape after the collapse. One of those workers was trapped atop a wall made of cinder blocks for just under an hour. He narrowly missed the potential for serious injury considering that firefighters had just managed to free him when the area where he had been trapped fell away.
Six of the injured workers required transportation via ambulance to receive medical treatment. Two others were injured so seriously that emergency responders transported them via air for treatment of their injuries. There was no immediate word on the conditions of any of those injured workers.
This scaffolding collapse is now being investigated by the North Carolina Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Division. Workers who are injured in scaffolding collapses like this one will likely be able to file workers’ compensation claims in order to have their medical expenses covered. Further, they could receive benefits allowing them to receive part or all of their normal pay while unable to return to their jobs. This can help alleviate some of the financial strain that their families would otherwise face while they are unable to work.
Source: wbtv.com, “Scaffolding collapse McDowell High School Marion NC injuries,” Chris Dyches, Aug. 12, 2013
While a work injury can occur for employees in almost any occupation, those who work with heavy equipment or perform strenuous manual labor typically have more of a risk than others. Equipment can malfunction, and employees could potentially be exposed to toxic substances. If employers do not stay up-to-date on improvements and replacements, defective equipment can cause devastating injuries. If employers are found in violation of not replacing hazardous equipment or providing proper training, they could face fines as well as possible workers’ compensation claims.
Two workers at a North Carolina farming company were found down in the back of a semi-truck trailer while they were working to load a blackberry order. According to reports, a person found the two workers and called emergency services. The two were transported to area hospitals where one was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest, and the other was treated and later released.
After an investigation into the death of one worker and illness of another, it was found that the forklift being used to load the trailer was emitting high levels of carbon monoxide. According to reports, 15 other people who had responded to the scene were sent to the hospital for treatment of high carbon monoxide levels in their systems that were making them ill. OSHA is continuing to conduct an investigation into the incident, and their findings should be reported at a later date.
Being exposed to toxic substances is a very serious matter. As this case shows, several people can become ill in a very small amount of time and could possible even die. It is a tragic result that one worker did lose his life due to the toxic fumes being released from the forklift. The family of the deceased and those workers who also suffered illnesses from the exposure could be entitled to workers’ compensation. They may find information on North Carolina workers’ compensation laws beneficial in determining if they may be eligible.
Source:
maconnews.com, “Forklift ruled likely cause of farm tragedy,” Brittney Parker, Aug. 8, 2013
As many North Carolina readers may be aware, Wal-mart is one of the top employers in the U.S. Recently, the company was fined $190,000 by the federal OSHA for workplace safety violations found at one store located outside our state. While there are no reports of injuries as a result of these violations, negligence of the employer may have dire consequences for workers. In this case, Wal-mart is making changes to improve employee safety at nearly 2,600 Wal-mart and Sam’s Club stores nationwide.
OSHA officials discovered during their 2011 inspection that a trash compactor was unlocked and not well secured, and that workers had not been trained to use it. The inspection also uncovered a lack of training on using hazardous chemicals. In addition, there were obstructions in the exit routes and a grinder was left unattended. The OSHA cited Wal-mart stores in other locations for similar violations between 2008 and 2010.
A spokesperson for Wal-mart stated that the violations at this store have now been corrected, and the company is implementing improved safety measures in their stores that fall under the federal OSHA’s jurisdiction. States that handle their own workplace inspections may make similar arrangements with Wal-mart to have safety measures improved. These safety measures include training on dangerous equipment and chemicals, as well as locking trash compactors when they aren’t being used.
Wal-mart’s efforts to increase worker safety will hopefully benefit the company’s North Carolina employees. At Wal-mart or any other workplace, if an employee is hurt due to the negligence of the employer, he or she may wish to discuss available benefits with someone who is knowledgeable about the workers’ compensation laws in our state. These benefits are designed to help workers compensate for lost wages and other financial hardships as they focus on getting back on their feet and returning to work.
Source:
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, “Wal-mart agrees to safety changes at nearly 2,900 stores,” Tom Tobin, Aug. 7, 2013
Everyone is horrified by the news of the death of a coworker. They sympathize with surviving family members and provide their condolences. However, few people consider the realities of life without a family member beyond the emotional devastation. Fortunately, states such as North Carolina require employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits for their employees in case they are injured or killed while they are completing their job responsibilities. The family of a deceased man will likely qualify for such benefits after a tragic accident took the life of their loved one.
A 38-year-old male employee of Boeing was working on a platform, assembling a plane, when the accident happened. Several employees noted a gap between some platforms and the plane. Later on, one employee witnessed the victim fall in the gap.
The man died from his injuries several days later. An investigation conducted by OSHA found that Boeing had no violations in the events surrounding the man’s death. However, they did provide recommendations for safety measures that could potentially prevent similar accidents in the future.
The recommendations and lack of violations are of little comfort to the man’s grieving family. In addition to their grief, they will have to cope with the cost of a funeral as well as the pile of hospital bills that will likely result from his treatment before his death. The financial stresses are compounded by the fact that they will no longer receive his income. While workers’ compensation benefits will likely cover these expenses, the process can sometimes be lengthy and complicated. However, there are actions that those in North Carolina who feel they are entitled to such compensation can take in order to ease their way through the process.
Source: live5news.com, “No violations found in death of worker at N. Charleston plant,” July 30, 2013
When a work accident results in injury or death, state or federal investigators usually step in to determine if there were any safety violations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials in its North Carolina Division wrapped up an investigation recently while an injured worker recovers from a well-drilling accident that occurred in July. The investigation did not turn up any violations.
According to reports, the man was using a drilling rig when a hose burst away from it and hit him in the face. The impact threw him back against some metal pipes. He sustained some swelling and fractured facial bones, and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery. The injured worker is now undergoing rehabilitation and making steady progress with his recovery.
State investigators determined that there were no violations of North Carolina health and safety codes and closed their investigation. No citations were issued against the company. According to reports, the well drilling operation continues and the man is anxious to resume his work.
When it comes to workplace accidents, North Carolina is a ‘no fault’ state. This means that regardless of who is deemed to be negligent for the accident, the injured worker is likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can make a world of difference when someone is recovering from injuries and unable to work. Eligible workers may receive compensation for lost wages and medical expenses as long as they follow certain criteria when it comes to their medical care and rehabilitation. It may be beneficial for an injured worker to learn more about the workers’ compensation laws in our state as he or she applies for benefits.
Source: news-record.com, “Investigators: No safety violations in Yow accident,” Joe Killian, July 29, 2013
Connect with us
- September 2025
- August 2025
- April 2025
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- October 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- September 2018
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
Archives
