Chula Vista California Workers' Compensation Law Blog

First responders in California and elsewhere face severe consequences due to exposure to opioids such as fentanyl. Although they are covered by the state-regulated workers' compensation insurance system, the risks could be life-threatening. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says emergency workers could inhale aerosols or powders, ingest them or they could come in contact with mucous membranes, particularly involving the eyes.

Opioids can also enter their bodies through broken skin, often caused by needlestick injuries. Authorities say the potency of fentanyl is as much as 50 times higher than heroin, and exposure can rapidly cause respiratory depression that could be fatal. Opioids are divided into synthetic and prescription drugs, and statistics show that the number of deaths caused by synthetic opioids far exceeds those caused by prescription drugs.

During the preparation of the grounds at the Empire Polo Club in Indio in the week leading up to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a tragic workplace accident claimed the life of a stagehand. Although his family will be eligible for financial assistance with the funeral and burial costs through the California workers' compensation system, nothing can ever make up for a loved one's death. The deceased worker was a 49-year-old San Diego man.

Reportedly, the man was a member of the crew since the festival was established 20 years ago, and he was the lead rigger before his death. Indio police, CalFire and the county fire department responded after receiving a call at about 9:30. Sadly, the rigger succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a medical facility.

The ASPCA says almost half of households nationwide, including California, have one or more dogs as pets -- an estimated 70 to 80 million dogs across all states. These numbers increase the chances of package deliverers, cable installers, meter readers, police officers and postal carriers being victims of dog attacks. While some such attacks lead to no more than minor personal injury, dog attacks could be deadly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risks of infections from dog bites are caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouths of dogs. The organization says the number of bacteria types that could be present in the mouths and saliva of dogs can exceed 60, most of which can cause infections. While rabies is likely the best-known disease caused by dog bites, bacteria causing MRSA, Pasteurella and Tetanus can also be present.

California workers in all industries will be aware of the many safety hazards they face every day. While each job might have unique dangers, safety authorities say there are a few basic hazards that threaten employees in all work environments. These are hazards that cause millions of non-fatal injuries nationwide each year, giving rise to workers' compensation benefits claims.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration lists slip and trip accidents as a significant threat that causes multiple injuries from minor to catastrophic. Spills that are not cleaned up immediately and random objects or debris in walkways are named as primary causes of these accidents. Electrical hazards also exist in all workplaces, and employers must ensure frayed wires, shorting sockets and other electrocution threats are addressed.