Summer is prime firework season, not just on the Fourth of July but also at many other parades and celebrations that occur over the course of the warmer months. While fireworks can be a lot of fun for everyone, they can also be very dangerous. Recently, OSHA attempted to address…
The weather is warm in Massachusetts, which can seem like a good thing after a long winter. Unfortunately, those who work outdoors during these hot summer months may find the climbing temperatures to be a serious health risk. Each year, thousands of workers are exposed to excessive heat on the…
This June, a postal worker pled guilty to fraud in connection with a workers’ compensation claim that she had filed back in 2004. According to AOL Jobs, the worker had claimed she was unable to lift mail trays into trucks as a result of a work injury she sustained. She…
The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is run by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and recognizes employers and workers in the private sector who have implemented effective safety strategies to prevent workplace injuries. An employer who is part of the VPP generally does a good job taking steps to…
Employers nationwide are required to follow specific guidelines to ensure worker safety. In addition to providing employees with proper protective gear, proper equipment and training, employers must also implement safety policies and keep the premises safe. According to a recent report, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health…
Hearing loss is one of the most common injuries sustained while on the job. When an employee is exposed to significant levels of noise, employers must make sure to take precautions to prevent hearing damage. Employers, companies and regulators will often consult with healthcare professionals who know how to best…
While there are federal safety standards for workers, each state has its own set of enforceable regulations to ensure worker safety. A 2012 campaign initiated in Massachusetts to prevent worker falls is now being recognized and implemented nationwide. Last month, the campaign won a national award from the U.S. Occupational…
When employers take steps to try to protect workers, often the focus is on preventing accidents that lead to injuries. An accident has an immediate and devastating impact when it occurs and the effects are immediately felt by workers, their families and the employer. However, EHS Today has recently suggested…
Throughout the region, workers who suffer injury while on the job are entitled to file workers’ compensation claims for injuries. Families who have lost their loved ones to work-related accidents are also entitled to claims. In the recent workplace safety news, OSHA has cited a New Hampshire automobile company for…
In the May edition of the American Society of Safety Engineers Journal, a senior safety consultant for Caterpillar discussed the under-reporting of “near-misses.” Near-misses are incidents where accidents happen or things go wrong at the workplace but where no one is hurt. These incidents are rarely, if ever, reported for…