Confined space pose hazards in various industries and compliance with the relevant safety standards as prescribed by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is crucial. A significant number of workers' compensation claims every year involve on-the-job injuries suffered in confined spaces, which are not necessarily small spaces. Even large areas that are confined and have limited entry and exit means can classify as confined spaces.
Workers' compensation: Indoor heat control rules effective soon
Safety authorities in California were the first to establish regulations to protect workers from outdoor heat. Many workers' compensation claims involve heat stress and other climate-related illnesses or injuries. However, climate change and the prevalence of businesses being run from shipping containers have led to the proposal of new regulations that will also protect indoor workers from heat stress.
Forklift accidents bring many workers' compensation claims
A significant percentage of California businesses make use of forklifts, and these useful but dangerous pieces of equipment are used on construction sites, warehouses, fulfillment centers and more. However, forklift accidents also result in a significant number of workers' compensation claims. Safety authorities say compliance with federal and state regulations can prevent almost all these accidents.
Workers' compensation: Firefighters rescue suspended worker
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health reported that it had launched an investigation into an incident in which a construction worker had to be rescued by the Orange County Fire Authority. The fire chief said that the incident occurred on a recent Tuesday morning. It is unclear whether there were injuries such as suspension trauma that might lead to a workers' compensation claim.
Does workers' compensation cover all workplace injury incidents?
Most members of the California workforce can find comfort in the knowledge that someone will have their backs if they should suffer occupational injuries. The state-regulated workers' compensation insurance program would cover workplace injuries and illnesses, even if they resulted from the negligence of the workers or employers. However, there are specific circumstances under which benefits claims might be denied.
Workers' compensation available for victims of trench collapses
Safety authorities remain concerned about the number of trench collapses or cave-ins that continue to cause injuries and fatalities on construction sites nationwide, including in California. A significant number of workers' compensation claims follow trench collapses every year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently underscored the importance of trench protection by distributing free stickers to remind employers and employees of the dangers posed by unprotected excavations.
It seems Tesla employees keep workers' compensation system busy
Working in auto manufacturing plants appear to be extremely hazardous. That is if one looks at the many investigations launched into worker safety at the Fremont factory of Tesla Inc. According to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the electric vehicle maker's Fremont plant is currently the subject of six ongoing investigations. Employees in this facility will likely find comfort in knowing that they are covered by the workers' compensation program of the state.
Workers' compensation claim or civil lawsuit -- or both?
It was recently reported that the president of a California engineering and construction company along with a project manager and a foreman would be facing criminal charges over the death of an employee in 2016. It was not reported whether the worker's surviving family has sought financial relief through the civil justice system with regard to the workplace accident. That potential claim would be separate from the death benefits that they likely claimed from the state's workers' compensation insurance system.
Workers' compensation may not be valid if fatal fall was suicide
One of the most significant risks that construction workers face is falling from heights. Many fatal falls have led to surviving family members filing death benefits claims with the California workers' compensation insurance system. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating a fatal fall accident that occurred on a recent Thursday morning.
Injured firefighters can rely on workers' compensation benefits
It is that time of the year again when wildfires tear through communities in California. Every summer, injured firefighters and grieving families of deceased firefighters file workers' compensation benefits claims to help them cope with unanticipated financial losses. Lives have already been lost and injuries suffered in wildfires in Northern California this year.
