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While the potential types of workplace injuries are as varied as the workers who suffer them, there are some commonalities among injury claims that qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This post will discuss some common on-the-job injury scenarios, and how to prevent them. Slips/trips and falls Slipping and falling makes up a startling one-third of all workplace injuries. The reasons for these accidents vary widely, but proper safety procedures can help prevent them. Causes of slips: wet floors, flooring without the proper degree of traction, weather hazards, loose rugs or flooring Causes of trips: insufficient lighting, disorganization, dropped items, obstructed views, uncovered cables Keeping floors clear of obstructions and clutter, securing throw rugs, ensuring that spills are promptly cleaned and setting procedures to deal with weather hazards can help prevent workplace slips, trips and falls. Overexertion and repetitive stress/strain injuries Anyone who works on an assembly line, at a computer, has to lift heavy materials or isn’t given adequate breaks during the day is at risk for repetitive stress and strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and nerve impingement or damage. Similarly, overexerting muscles without proper precautions and breaks leads to back injuries and pain, something that accounts for one-third of all workplace injury claims, and results in nationwide fiscal losses of $7.4 billion each year. Causes of overexertion and repetitive strain injuries include: Improper lifting: remember to always lift with your legs instead of your back, and to engage your core muscles Heavy objects: regularly lifting objects 50 pounds of more without assistance (either personal or mechanical) can easily cause injury Intensive computer work: sitting at a computer and typing all day may not seem particularly strenuous on the body, but it actually can result in serious nerve damage and back pain Not taking adequate breaks: it is vitally important to give taxed muscles a chance to recover to prevent injury

A one-of-a-kind recovery center in Maryland does what no other facility in the country can: focuses solely on the mental, emotional, and physical needs of active, injured, and retired firefighters suffering from work-induced post-traumatic stress disorder. The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery opened in March of 2017, and has already helped hundreds of firefighters struggling with stereotypical and lesser-known symptoms of PTSD. These include: Flashbacks to traumatic events (for firefighters, these can vary widely, but include massive fires, serious car accidents, body recovery following natural disasters, crime scenes and more) Nightmares A general feeling of fear, worry or anxiety Depression Substance abuse Thoughts of suicide (or previous attempts) Self-harm Panic attacks Avoiding particular locations (not driving by the scene of a car accident where the firefighter recovered the body of a friend, for example, or avoiding the cemetery where victims of a massive fire are buried) Anger, towards oneself and towards others Easy irritability, often without a known cause Feelings of intense guilt The Center treats all these different conditions and symptoms holistically, with various types of group and individual therapy, a focus on personal wellness, and even ongoing treatment from a network of providers after the person’s stay at the facility. The end goal is not to “cure” the PTSD, something psychological experts say may not even be possible, but for the firefighters to learn ways to acknowledge symptoms and learn coping strategies to prevent those symptoms from negatively impacting their lives. We all know that firefighters, like police and other first responders, have a very demanding job, both physically and mentally. They see trauma daily, lose friends in the line of duty, and face potential injury nearly every time they respond to a call. Hopefully, the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery will soon not be the only facility in our state – or our country – to focus in on the well-being of these everyday heroes.

In labor intensive jobs it can feel like injuries are a part of life. While heavy equipment and manual labor are more suited to injury than stationary work, the fact is that many injuries are avoidable with the right training and equipment, regardless what type of work you do. It’s an employer’s job to make your workplace as safe as it can be, in all fields of employment. There were 65,000 reported injuries and illnesses due to work-related causes in the state of Maryland in 2015, enough injuries to populate a small city. Sometimes these injuries are severe, life-changing and even fatal. It affects all industries. While jobs with heavy machinery often field more injuries than other types of work, almost any career runs the risk of injury in a vehicle accident, for example. Exceptions can be deadly Thanks to organizations like OSHA, workplace injuries and illnesses are down significantly since they started tracking them in 1972. While safety equipment and technology play a role, the best way for a workplace to keep safe is to hire the right people and to have the right attitude. It’s not hard to tell when your companies values production over your safety. If they prioritize speed over setup, or are willing to make “one-time exceptions” to safety protocol it sends a message that the task is what matters most. Everyone understands that time is money, but employee safety and serious injuries risk even greater cost. When injuries occur While any injury is bad news, there is good news to help workers recover. Workers’ Compensation is a program available for anyone injured on the job. Through Workers’ Compensation, eligible workers can seek reimbursement for time way from work, including coverage of medical bills and payment for long-term disability. In the event of severe injury, the program also covers rehabilitation and job training costs under certain circumstances. The program sounds simple on the surface: injured workers deserve help and should not have to pay expenses out of their own pocket. However, due to the bureaucratic nature of the program and the many types of injuries or illness that can occur, many do not receive the full benefits they are entitled to. Whenever injury occurs on the job, it is vital for your long-term health and for your career that you get the full coverage you deserve.

Every year on April 28, government agencies and unions recognize Workers’ Memorial Day to remember people who have died in the course of employment as well as those who have been injured or become ill from work. It is a day to renew commitment to safe workplaces. April 28 was chosen because it was the date in 1971 when the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA. OSHA is the main federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards across the country. How is Maryland doing on workplace safety? OSHA has the authority to approve state programs that regulate work safety standards, educate employers and inspect workplaces for violations. In our state, OSHA has approved the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, called MOSH, to fulfill these important responsibilities. On April 25, Katherine Tracy, a “workers’ rights policy analyst,” wrote an article in the Baltimore Sun about how MOSH is doing in light of this year’s Workers’ Memorial Day observance. Her findings are of great concern: MOSH had fewer staff in 2016 than it had had in seven years. Despite having 2.5 million workers in Maryland, MOSH only conducted around 1,100 workplace inspections in 2016. In 2016, there were 92 work-related fatalities, up from 74 on average annually. Maryland was 49th among states in the average monetary penalty for workplace violations in 2016, according to the AFL-CIO (about $655 on average for serious violations in private employment in Maryland as compared with about $2,280 on average nationally. MOSH is not meeting its responsibilities to protect workers from employer retaliation (like firing or demoting) because workers have reported workplace safety problems to MOSH. Tracy calls for increased state funding for MOSH and for state prosecutors to consider criminal charges against the most egregious employers when their negligent or worse behavior has harmed workers. She notes that Maryland apparently does not do this, but other states do. Legal remedies We represent injured and ill employees in workers’ compensation claims as well as survivors in workers’ compensation death benefit claims. Our lawyers also file third-party personal injury or wrongful death suits when parties other than employers contributed to work injury or death. For example, work equipment could have been defectively designed or without proper warnings of possible danger from use. A landowner or landlord providing work premises may have ignored dangerous conditions on the premises. An employee driving while working could be struck by drunk driver.

The first week in February is the American Burn Association’s Burn Awareness Week. In recognition of the serious and sometimes life-changing impact of burns, we will talk about work-related burns and electrocution. Burn injuries, if they arise out of and occur in the course of employment, can be the basis for a Maryland Workers’ Compensation claim. Food-industry risk According to the Burn Foundation, the food service industry has the most burn injuries of any type of job at around 12,000 annually, often from scalding or contact with hot surfaces, substances or flame. On the list of the top 50 jobs at risk of work-related burn injuries are waiters, food handlers, cooks and kitchen workers. Most workplace burns involve contact with hot liquids, oil, steam, substances, surfaces, electric wires or “improperly maintained” electrical equipment. Dangerous fryers Teenage fry cooks at fast food establishments are at especially high risk of burns because of time pressure and “inexperience.” In fact, work with and around deep fat fryers are particularly dangerous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, which reports risk from changing filters above fryers, filtering or replacing grease, splatter from damp food dropped into hot grease, moving hot fryers, and slipping on grease and moisture on adjacent floors. Burns are associated with: Lax enforcement or failure to follow safety rules Employees who work while sick, fatigued or “compromised by drugs or alcohol” Taking risks because of familiarity with tasks or time pressure Nature of burns According to Mayo Clinic, a burn can be minor, serious or even cause death. Medical description is by degree: First degree: Only the outer skin layer is involved with pain, swelling and redness. Second degree: The top two layers of skin are injured, with severe pain and possible blistering and the potential for scars. Third degree: This burn reaches through to the fat layer, which can harm nerves, result in numbness and even breathing problems. Further complications can include serious infection, including sepsis, decreased blood volume, low body temperature, respiratory problems and slow healing. Sometimes a particularly deep burn can cause scar tissue that limits movement or “permanently pull joints out of position,” reports Mayo. Emotional difficulty and anxiety can also accompany severe burn injury. Medical remedies A wide range of treatment types is available, including dressings, pain medication, antibiotics, fluids, creams, physical or occupational therapy, plastic surgery, skin grafting and strengthening exercise. In catastrophic cases, the patient may need assistance with breathing or eating through a tube.

Do you work in the construction industry? Do you find yourself on construction sites almost every day of the week? If so, you know just how important it is for the site to remain as clean and organized as possible. Even though workers attempt to avoid clutter and debris, there are times when this becomes a problem. From tools to building materials, debris is often scattered from one side of the job site to the next. It may not sound like a big deal, but scattered debris or falling debris can cause a serious accident. Not only can this lead to the injury of a construction worker, but it could also result in a fatality. At our law firm, we assist people who have been injured by construction site debris. An example of this would be roofing shingles that are dropped on a person from above. When this happens, the victim is faced with a variety of challenges, including medical concerns and the potential of missing a lot of time at work. If you are injured on a construction site, don’t hesitate to take three key steps: — Report the accident to your employer — Receive medical attention — File a claim for workers’ compensation benefits Although your health should always be top priority, there will come a time when you also want to learn more about your legal rights. Since you may not be able to return to work right away, you should file a workers’ compensation claim. This allows you to receive payments until you are able to return to your job.

Suffering a deep laceration on the job can be scary. Not only does this require immediate attention, but you realize that it could have a long-lasting impact on your physical wellbeing as well as your appearance. There are many first aid steps you can take to treat a laceration. Above all else, you need to know when it’s a good idea to call 911: — If blood is spurting out and can’t be stopped. — If a cut is bleeding uncontrollably. — If the bleeding can’t be stopped within five to 10 minutes of firm pressure. Since it’s better to be safe than sorry, don’t hesitate to call 911 if you have any concerns about the injury. First aid steps for treating a laceration include: — Immediately stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure. — Clean the area and protect it until a medical professional can provide treatment. — Immediately visit a health care professional who can provide treatment and advice on follow up steps. There are many things that can lead to a deep laceration injury at your place of employment. For example, if you work with heavy machinery, this could happen at any point in time. If you find yourself in this position, get the help you need without delay. Along with this, remember that the injury may keep you away from your job in the future. For this reason, you will want to learn more about filing a workers’ compensation claim. This will allow you to receive money while you recover from your injury. Source: Web MD, “ Cuts or Lacerations Treatment,” accessed Jan. 27, 2017

Like many other kinds of industries, the food industry uses factories and conveyor systems to package, monitor and manufacture products. Some of those facilities, slaughterhouses, can be particularly difficult work. Slaughterhouse workers face injuries on the job; they are exposed to hazardous equipment and face long-term injury due to repetitive motions. Many people are forced to work for many hours and at high speeds to complete daily quotas; they may receive few breaks and have to work in hot or cold conditions for extended periods of time. In a case reported by one worker, she was asked to bag up to 50 hams a minute; she worked 12-hour shifts up to seven days a week. She had great reviews and was awarded employee of the month a number of times. Despite this, when she started to have shoulder issues, her employers told her to go home. Then, when she went to the company doctor, she discovered she had a bone spur. It worsened over time, and she had to have surgery. She was diagnosed with a repetitive motion injury. It’s already documented that beef and pork processing workers are close to seven times more likely to suffer from repetitive motion injuries, looking at 2014 data. In a 2015 report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 76 percent of workers in a plant in Maryland had nerve conditions found in at least one of their hands. If you have worked a job like this, you know how hard it can be on the body. You and workers in these situations do deserve the compensation you need to support yourself when your job directly causes injuries or disabilities that affect you and your family. Source: KUOW, “ Working ‘The Chain,’ Slaughterhouse Workers Face Lifelong Injuries,” Peggy Lowe, Aug. 11, 2016

A work-related musculoskeletal disorder can keep a person away from his or her job for an extended period of time. Furthermore, this can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. While some companies are behind the times, others have come to realize the seriousness of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. For this reason, they have implemented programs to help employees avoid this type of trouble. One of the best ways to prevent this common condition is to implement a lifestyle health promotion program. For example, weight management and fitness programs can reduce the incidence of many types of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, such as back and neck pain. It is also important for companies to provide training to workers and management regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders, including the risks. An instructional training program can go a long way in helping everybody understand this problem, how to prevent it and how to pinpoint it. Finally, self management education is always a big deal. This means that workers focus on self-care behavior, such as working out, to help prevent trouble before it sets in. Every year, workers in a variety of industries suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Some of these people are able to deal with and work through the pain, while others have to take time away in order to treat their condition. If you are concerned about work-related musculoskeletal disorders, it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about this condition, including how to avoid trouble and what to do if you require treatment. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) Prevention,” accessed Jan. 04, 2016

Many people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but unless you have experienced the pain it is difficult to understand just how bad it can be. Imagine this: You are sitting at your desk, attempting to work, but you cannot seem to shake the numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand and wrist. Worst yet, some people suffer from this injury in both hands. There is a lot to understand about carpal tunnel syndrome. To start, you need to know what this condition entails. In short, carpal tunnel syndrome comes into play when the median nerve is pressed on at the wrist. This nerve is located in what is known as “the carpal tunnel.” What are the symptoms? This typically begins with tingling, numbness, and burning. At first, you may be able to ignore the pain. You may even believe it is nothing more than a bad cramp. However, over time, it is only going to get worse. Soon enough, you will realize the problem isn’t just happening at work. You are also experiencing pain and discomfort during the night. Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by overuse, injury, or trauma. For example, if you type, day after day without take any break, you could eventually find yourself suffering from this problem. When it comes to workplace injuries, many people don’t think about carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a mistake, as many workers suffer from this type of injury. As a result, they are unable to do their job effectively. If you believe you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, maybe due to your work conditions, it is important to be examined by a medical professional. Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet,” accessed Nov. 17, 2015

If you are injured on the job or become ill due to working conditions, there is no denying the fact that your financial situation could be impacted. It is important to understand your legal rights, including how you can receive compensation until you are able to return to work. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided when you are injured on the job. In most states, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that if a person is injured that they are able to access the benefits they deserve. On the other side, state disability benefits must also be considered. These provide workers with weekly benefits in the event that they are injured outside of work and unable to perform their normal job responsibilities. The primary difference between workers’ comp and disability is simple: Workers’ compensation insurance covers you for any injuries for which an employer may be liable. With disability benefits, your employer does not come into the equation. Note: It is possible that you could be eligible to receive state disability benefits along with workers’ compensation. If you are injured and unable to work, it is important to understand how workers’ comp and disability payments can improve your financial situation. Nobody wants to be injured or become ill, but this happens from time to time. Where your injury occurred and how long you will be away from work will impact the type and amount of benefits you receive. If nothing else, it is important to apply for both types of benefits to ensure that you are getting the money you deserve. Source: FindLaw, “ The Difference Between Workers’ Comp and Disability Benefits,” accessed Sep. 22, 2015

The majority of employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is used to compensate employees who have been injured on the job and are looking to recover lost wages. It is a common myth that all work injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. In order to receive compensation, the injury must be connected with an employment condition or requirement: For example, a person who broke a leg after falling from a ladder that was being used in relation to their job. FindLaw explains a work injury as follows: “A work-related injury is one that happened while you were doing something on behalf of your employer or otherwise in the course of employment. Most injuries that can be classified as work-related are those that occur at the workplace, but also may occur in company-owned trucks and other locations as long as the employee was doing something connected to his or her job.” There is a lot of gray area associated with workplace injuries and workers’ compensation. This can include but is not limited to injuries that occur while a person is on a break, or those that result from fooling around. It is good practice for all employees to be as cautious as possible, doing their best to avoid any type of work injury. Even so, there are always dangers lurking, especially in high risk industries, such as construction. If a person is injured on the job, he or she hopes to collect workers’ compensation to make up for lost wages. In the event of a denied claim, it may be time to consult with an attorney. Source: FindLaw, “ What Types of Injuries are Compensable Under Workers’ Compensation?” accessed Jan. 26, 2015