With all the reports about increasing use of painkillers, such as opioids, it’s no wonder some companies are testing employees for the legal substances for safety reasons. But, as this case shows, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do that. [Read more…] about Company tested all workers for legal drugs: $750K settlement
Articles
Bizarre workplace accident: Farmer eaten by his hogs
When a farmer didn’t return for several hours after going out to feed his hogs, a family member went to look for him. The farmer’s remains were found in the hog enclosure. A law enforcement official calls the accident “doggone weird.” [Read more…] about Bizarre workplace accident: Farmer eaten by his hogs
Should widow get comp for husband’s fatal heart attack at work?
Was a widow able to show that work stress triggered her husband’s fatal heart attack? That’s what she needed to prove to get workers’ comp death benefits. [Read more…] about Should widow get comp for husband’s fatal heart attack at work?
Safety News Summary, October 8, 2012
Distracted driving; bicycle helmets; a stiff fine for lockout/tagout hazards; injuries to nonprofit volunteers and workers’ comp; and we’ve seen NFL replacement refs, how about replacement workers’ comp magistrates? It’s all in this week’s Safety News Summary. Click “more” to read on. [Read more…] about Safety News Summary, October 8, 2012
Electrocution leads to OSHA inspection, $189K fine
An employee was electrocuted while working to restore power to a pumping station. OSHA heard about the fatality and investigated. The agency says workers lacked safety gear. [Read more…] about Electrocution leads to OSHA inspection, $189K fine
Governor vetoes heat stress bill
California already has the strictest regulations on the books to provide relief for outdoor workers in hot conditions. A bill passed by the state’s legislature would have created new penalties for breaking these rules, but the effort has been stopped by a veto. [Read more…] about Governor vetoes heat stress bill
Retaliation against whistleblowers: Yet another angle
There’s been a lot more emphasis in the last couple of years about protecting whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers. But new statistics point to another potential problem for employees who report safety or other workplace misconduct: [Read more…] about Retaliation against whistleblowers: Yet another angle
Should workers’ comp pay for medical marijuana?
A man who almost lost his arm in a workplace incident says he’d rather take medical marijuana for the pain instead of strong prescription painkillers. He also wants workers’ comp to pay for it. Should a hearing board grant his request? [Read more…] about Should workers’ comp pay for medical marijuana?
Worker struck, killed by truck: Should company pay OSHA fine?
A truck backed over an employee, killing him. OSHA issued two citations against his employer, saying workers didn’t receive safety training about hazards around construction equipment. The company says it was a case of unpreventable employee misconduct. Who prevailed when the case went to a review board? [Read more…] about Worker struck, killed by truck: Should company pay OSHA fine?
Safety News Summary, Oct. 1, 2012
America’s 10 deadliest jobs; “Where’s the concern?” asks a safety association president; top 8 features employees want in wellness programs; “delusional” doctor booted from workers’ comp board; and as a safety pro, what do you think about driverless cars? Click through for this week’s Safety News Summary. [Read more…] about Safety News Summary, Oct. 1, 2012