Many people have jobs that require extended periods spent outdoors and exposed to the elements. Winter weather can make outdoor work especially dangerous. The combination of potential precipitation and extremely cold temperature can be deadly for improperly equipped workers. Most employers provide workers with equipment and gear to handle outdoor work. Many workers also purchase[…] Read More
Category: Occupational Illness
Are Construction Workers Frequently Exposed to Toxic Chemicals?
Construction workers face a host of job-related risks, such as burn injuries, electrocutions, slip and falls, and heavy machinery accidents. While the work they perform is vital, it is also quite dangerous. In fact, in 2018, one in five private sector deaths occurred in the construction industry. Many hazards construction workers encounter is not always[…] Read More
Respiratory Viruses Found on Health Care Workers’ Apparel
Researchers working on behalf of the University of Chicago (UoC) recently analyzed health care workers’ clothing. What they discovered was a surprisingly high rate of viruses linked to respiratory disorders. The UoC findings came from swabs taken from the personal protective equipment (PPE) of dozens of medical workers with direct patient contact. The PPE tested[…] Read More
October is Healthy Lung Month
Lung disease is a serious problem for adults in the United States with approximately 10 million adults diagnosed with chronic bronchitis each year. Additionally, about 25 million people in the U.S. live with asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can occur when a person has been inhaling mineral dusts, metal fumes, dusts associated with wood[…] Read More
Occupational Illness Claims
When employees think of workplace injuries, acute injuries such as those caused by an accident, fall or mechanical hazard often come first to mind. But occupational illness or disease that develops over time from the worker’s job duties is also covered and represents a significant number of Workers’ Compensation claims. Those who become ill due[…] Read More
OSHA Penalties Increase
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) raised its penalties for employer safety violations on January 24. This new structure applies to federal OSHA states including Delaware, and it is predicted that states with their own programs will follow suit. All companies with citations issued after January 24 and up to the end of 2019[…] Read More
Hazards of Respirable Silica
Silica is a very common mineral, and employees who work in construction may come into contact with it frequently. Silica can be found in glass, granite, concrete and other masonry products. Silica can become a health hazard to people when it is pulverized in the construction process, and then becomes dust. This dust is respirable,[…] Read More
Occupational Diseases
Workers’ Compensation insurance is best known for covering work-related injuries. But it also provides coverage for those diagnosed with occupationally related diseases. Many times, these diseases do not arise until sometime after a worker has left the place of employment in which he or she contracted the illness. The majority of occupational diseases are not[…] Read More