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Workers can suffer numerous injuries on the job, including falls from heights, being crushed by a powerful machine and severe burns after an explosion. Indeed, these situations can result in devastating injuries. However, an injury-causing event need not be blatantly catastrophic  to affect workers. In fact, even small movements can take a toll on a person’s health when they are repetitive. Types of repetitive stress injuries Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs,) also known as overuse injuries, are injuries that occur when someone makes the same movement over and over, stressing the muscles, nerves and tendons. Over time, these actions can cause increasingly bad and painful damage to the area. Some examples of common work-related activities that can lead to an RSI include: Swiping items on a conveyer belt Typing on a keyboard Using a mouse Assembly line work Holding your arms above your head for extended periods Sitting in unnatural positions Using vibrating equipment These actions and positions can put stress on a person’s body, even though it may not seem like it at first. But, over time, a person can start experiencing aches and pains that gradually worsen, resulting in RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis. Treating and tracking your symptoms If you think you have an RSI, it can be crucial to keep track of your symptoms and how you treat them. This information can be valuable when you talk to your doctor and apply for workers’ compensation benefits if they prevent you from working. For instance, make a note of when you start feeling symptoms of an RSI, including tingling, numbness and pain. Include details of how bad the symptoms are and how long they last. Also, pay attention to any treatments that seem to help, whether that includes taking an aspirin, changing positions or wearing a splint. These records can make it easier to assess which treatments are effective and whether more aggressive treatment is necessary. Most importantly, in relation to a potential worker’s compensation claim, the injured work should inquire with their doctor whether or not their condition is related, at least in part, to their employment.  Should a physician believe there is a causal relationship and the injured worker require work accommodations or miss time from work, the injured worker should obtain a disability slip indicating same. Taking RSIs seriously People tend to downplay RSIs and assume they have no option but to live with them. However, when you take an RSI as seriously as other work-related injuries, it can be easier to get the care and financial support you need. Similar to identifying an RSI, having a claim considered compensable may be complicated as well.  It is important that should a person suspect they have an RSI resulting from their employment, they should seek experienced representation.to ensure the proper steps are taken to obtain coverage of their injury.

Traumatic injuries and experiences on the job can leave workers struggling with lasting, painful conditions that are not necessarily visible to others. For instance, a person can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in relation to their job, and in some cases, they can be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. That said, the connection between PTSD and work is not always as direct as other work-related conditions. It can be easy to see that a person broke their leg after a fall in the workplace, but PTSD can be more complicated. Causes of PTSD on the job Some of the experiences that can trigger PTSD symptoms related to work include: Witnessing a traumatic event, like a fatality Developing a anxiety and depression after a physical injury on the job Getting robbed or assaulted These events can leave people struggling with symptoms of PTSD like debilitating anxiety, flashbacks, inability to sleep and negative changes in their mood and thinking. Under these circumstances, this mental health condition can be a work-related illness. Coverage of PTSD includes the payment of mental health services, and, if the injured worker must remain out of work due to the psychological condition, compensation for their lost wages. Who is at risk? Every worker is at some risk of experiencing a traumatic event on the job, but some are far more likely to than others. We often see people with work-related PTSD if they are: First responders Law enforcement officers Servicemembers Teachers Medical workers Retail workers Workers in hazardous industries People in these occupations are more likely to witness a traumatic event or suffer a catastrophic injury resulting in PTSD. Getting compensation for PTSD Unfortunately, people often face challenges when it comes to receiving a PTSD diagnosis and securing effective treatment. And because there is not always a direct connection between PTSD and work, applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated. Thankfully, legal and medical professionals have experience in these areas and can help workers pursue the care and support they deserve. Should you either be in an accident and psychological concerns arise, it would be best to contact counsel to understand how best to ensure coverage for any and all injuries. Separately, should you be diagnosed with PTSD and a licensed professional consider it work related, you should contact an experienced attorney to assist you in potentially obtaining you compensation and coverage for your psychological injury.

People often worry about work-related injuries while they are on a job site, whether that is a manufacturing plant, construction project or office. However, not all work accidents happen in a building. For instance, you could get seriously injured in a work-related accident while you are driving. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the cause of most work-related fatalities in the United States. Work-related car accidents The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 24 percent of fatal work accidents in 2018 involved motor vehicle crashes. And between 2003 and 2018, more than 29,000 people were killed. While every motorist is at some risk of getting in an accident, workers who drive as part of their job can be on the road more and for longer periods. Under these circumstances, a person can be more likely to encounter dangerous situations, including: Distracted drivers Drowsy or fatigued drivers Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol Dangerous roads Work zones Reckless drivers Unfamiliar routes These components present a threat to every road user, but the more a person drives, the more likely it can be that they will encounter these hazardous scenarios. Workers at the highest risk Some occupations that put people at a higher risk of getting into a crash while working include: Truck drivers Firefighters Police officers Oil and gas extraction workers Taxi or rideshare workers Delivery services Sanitary workers Salespeople People working in these roles can be on the road more than the average driver. They can also be more likely to be driving at high speeds, early in the morning or late at night. And it is not just the drivers who can be in danger of getting hurt in a crash. Passengers can also suffer a fatality in a work-related motor vehicle accident, and pedestrian workers can be injured, too. These parties might include road construction workers and highway maintenance crews. When a person is operating a vehicle at the request of their employer and an accident occurs, any injuries to the employee are likely covered.  As the Maryland Worker’s Compensation Act is a “no-fault” statute, even if a worker is partially or completely at-fault for an accident they still can be eligible for coverage and compensation for their injuries sustained in a vehicle crash. However, it should be noted receipt of benefits from an insurer of an at-fault vehicle can adversely affect long-term benefits an injured worker may be entitled to under Worker’s Compensation.  As a result, these types of accidents can be es can be highly complex in relation to injuries, fault, and the intersection of different compensation. . As such, consulting an attorney who specifically handles these issues is critical in ensuring no mistakes occur for the injured worker.

Whether you work in construction, manufacturing or auto repair, you may regularly use powerful machines and equipment. And unfortunately, at any time, these devices can cause devastating injuries. Too often, workers suffer burns, amputations or even death due to defective or dangerous machines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify accidents involving equipment are among the most common causes of traumatic workplace injuries. Thus, preventing these accidents must be a top priority for workers and employers. Preventing accidents as a worker If you work with heavy machinery, you can take the following precautions to stay safe on the job: Only operating equipment you have training and permission to use Immediately reporting any defects or broken components Shutting down machines that are not working properly Wearing protective gear like eye protection and gloves Ensuring there is adequate lighting Staying alert and visible on sites where others are using dangerous machines Keeping areas near the equipment clean These precautions can help you avoid accidents caused by human error and unexpected malfunctions. Preventing accidents as an employer Employers may not be the ones directly using or operating equipment on the job, but they can do plenty to make things safer for the workers who do. Employers would be wise to: Provide adequate training to all workers using machines Place signs warning of machine-related risks in conspicuous areas Conduct regular equipment inspections Perform maintenance and make repairs in a timely manner Comply with state and federal regulations when hiring and supervising workers Shut down equipment that poses a threat to workers Investigate all reports and complaints regarding defective or dangerous machines Employers who take these measures seriously make it easier for workers to avoid accidents with heavy machines. Taking action after an accident These measures can go a long way in preventing machine-related accidents on the job. However, accidents  can and do still happen. Additionally, in Maryland, the Worker’s Compensation Act does not require an injured worker prove someone else was at-fault or that there employer was negligent.  Rather, if an injury occurs arising out of and in the course of employment, an injured worker will be entitled to coverage for their injuries. If you or your loved one is involved in this type of incident, you should know what options you have regarding compensation and who may be liable. Was it a defective machine? Was someone else negligent? Under these circumstances, legal action can be crucial in protecting injured parties and others who may still be at risk. These protection extends to workers who may even think they made a mistake and an accident occurred, resulting in an injury.

Recovering from a workplace injury can be frustrating and difficult. There can be medications to take, activities to avoid and countless doctor visits to schedule. Once you get through all this and are well enough to return to work, the hardest part could thankfully be behind you. However, there could still be challenges you may need to overcome. Preparing for these can help you make this transition a little easier. Financial challenges Returning to work might be something you want to do, but often, it is something people need to do for financial reasons. In fact, according to one report, half of the people who return to work after a traumatic injury have medical debt. If a worker’s compensation claim is considered compensable, an injured worker is entitled to two thirds their average weekly wage tax free and coverage of their causally related medical expenses. Adjusting to disabilities, limitations A severe accident can leave you with chronic pain, limited mobility and other conditions that require some adjustments in your workplace. In some cases, your doctor may say that you can return to work with restrictions. For instance, you may only be able to perform light duty, or you may not be able to do things like lift, kneel or stand for extended periods. When you return to work, make sure you give a list of these restrictions to your employer. If they do not follow the doctor’s orders or pressure you to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing, you can consult an attorney to understand what is and is not permitted. Additionally, a hearing may be required should a dispute arise regarding work restrictions. Doubts and concerns You may not feel ready to go back to work. You might be worried that you cannot perform the way you used to, and you may not even want to work. These feelings are normal, but they can cause tremendous stress. To protect yourself, be sure you communicate with your doctor and your employer. Be clear with your restrictions and document any exchanges you have regarding your condition and work performance. You may also consult an attorney if you feel your return to work – and termination of workers’ compensation benefits – is premature. Going back to work after a severe accident can be challenging. However, you can better position yourself by knowing what to expect and what resources can help you through this experience. That considered, retaining an attorney prior a dispute arising can help ease the transition back to work and ensure the injured worker is protected.

Working in an industrial setting exposes people to countless hazards. The nature of the industry means that employees are often working with powerful machines or in environments where they could fall or be struck by falling objects. Whether you or a loved one works in transporting materials, manufacturing or warehouse storage, you should be aware of some of the most common – and sadly, deadly – accidents that can occur in this line of work. Types of industrial accidents Industrial accidents can include: Slipping or tripping Electrical or chemical burns Being crushed by or in between something Being struck by falling objects Getting stuck in machinery Toxic exposure The causes of industrial accidents typically involve one of four elements: individual mistakes, mechanical failures, failed oversight and environmental hazards. Individual missteps can mean failing to wear protective gear to using improper techniques for lifting or moving heavy objects. These are often isolated incidences. Mechanical failures often include broken equipment or defective parts that cause machinery to malfunction. This can happen when parties do not adequately repair or maintain machines or when the designer or manufacturer has produced an unsafe product. Inadequate supervision or oversight in the industrial setting can result in employers hiring untrained workers or negligent owners who fail to comply with state and federal regulations to protect employees on the job. Often, this type of neglect occurs when employers or managers attempt to cut corners to save money. Environmental hazards for industrial workers might involve toxic exposure to harmful chemicals or work in areas with excessive noise or extreme temperatures. These hazards can be unavoidable in certain settings, but workers should have proper training and protection to keep them safe. The high stakes of industrial accidents Preventing these and other devastating industrial accidents is crucial, as the consequences for not doing so can be catastrophic. Workers can suffer amputation, disfiguring burns and even death in an accident. Often, industrial workers who get hurt on the job face expensive medical care and a lengthy recovery process. They may suffer disabling injuries that can prevent them from performing tasks as they normally would. Personal relationships can also suffer in the aftermath of a severe injury. Whichever cause indicated above results in an injury on the job, workers in Maryland remained insured and covered. Although some employers and insurers may deny claims for a variety of reasons, so long as the accident arises out of and in the course of employment the claim should be compensable. Should a person be injured on the job, it is always beneficial to seek experienced counsel to ensure their rights are protected.

Work-related accidents do not need to be catastrophic or life-threatening to be painful. Everyday actions like twisting, turning and lifting can also result in acute or chronic injuries. These actions can cause back pain, muscle strains and other conditions that can affect a person’s mobility and require intensive therapy to treat. Thus, every worker should know what they can do to prevent lifting-related injuries and what to do if one happens. Preventing lifting injuries Whether you lift a box of copy paper infrequently or you spend all day every day moving heavy objects, keep the following rules in mind for safely lifting and material handling. Know what you need to lift. Know what you are lifting. How heavy is it? How large is it? You should also consider where you are moving it. Will you need to travel far with it or open doors? Assess the route and the item and determine if it is something you are physically capable of doing. Use proper form. If you are going to lift an object, use proper techniques every time. Get close to the item and bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Keep your head up and your arms close to your body. Have assistance. If the material is too heavy or awkward to carry by yourself, get help. You could either carry it with another person or get a dolly to assist you. Use protective equipment and gear. Gear including back belts, shoulder straps, gloves and wrist guards can all make it easier to lift safely. No matter how long you have worked in jobs involving lifting, it can always be helpful to review these protocols and safety procedures. Over time, people forget or become less vigilant, so taking the time to review these can be wise. Treating a lifting-related injury Unfortunately, despite our efforts, lifting-related injuries can and do happen. People hurt their backs, shoulders, arms or hands. Should this happen, injured workers should stop working and get help. If the injury seems minor, parties should rest and ice their injury. Taking medication can alleviate the pain. In situations where an injury could be more severe, immediate medical attention can be crucial. There are ways to prevent lifting accidents on the job. However, they can still happen; knowing what to do can help you protect yourself.

Occupational exposure to toxic chemicals can cause a range of severe conditions, from burns to cancer. Unfortunately, the risk of injury or illness does not necessarily end when a worker leaves their job. For instance, a recent study revealed that exposure to the insecticide DDT could increase the risk of cancer for generations. Study findings The study goes back to 1959 when researchers started looking at pregnant women exposed to DDT, a synthetic insecticide that has been discontinued in the United States. They found that pregnant women with higher levels of DDT were more likely to have overweight granddaughters with early-onset menstruation. These are two significant factors in the development of breast cancer and diabetes. The exposure affects not only a woman’s fetus but also the fetus’s ovarian follicles, making the health risks span generational lines. Who is at risk? While DDT is no longer approved for use in the U.S., at one time, it was regularly used in the military and the agricultural industry. And DDT is hardly the only insecticide linked to severe health complications. Currently, there are numerous claims against the makers of the Roundup insecticide, which researchers tie to increased cancer risks. In other words, anyone who has been or could still be exposed to these powerful insecticides could be at an increased risk of getting sick. Protecting against occupational illnesses If you work in construction, agriculture, automotive or industrial industries, you could work with or around toxic chemicals. Employers should comply with the strict guidelines in place to protect people from harmful exposure, but parties do not always do this. And accidents can happen. If you believe you or someone in your family has been exposed to toxic chemicals on the job, it is crucial to file a report right away. If you get sick, you could seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of treating your illness. Beyond seeking financial compensation for yourself after a toxic exposure incident, filing a report help protect other workers by calling attention to an unsafe work environment, which can prompt corrective actions and penalties for negligent parties.

Did you know that every year more than 2.8 million people seek emergency treatment for a traumatic brain injury, according to the Brain Injury Association of America? That number is more than a statistic. It represents hundreds of thousands of families who must cope with the effects of a brain injury for many years to come. Long-term effects of a brain injury Every brain injury has the potential to cause painful, disruptive symptoms. When people suffer a more severe brain injury in an accident, they can spend the rest of their lives coping with symptoms like: Seizures Loss of coordination Memory loss Sleep problems Declines in executive functions Personality changes Difficulty concentrating Changes in senses like taste and smell Emotional anguish, including depression and anxiety Some of these symptoms can be treated with medication, surgery or rehabilitation. Some may go away with time, while others may persist indefinitely. Thus, treating a severe brain injury with long-term effects can be a long, frustrating process. Preventing brain injuries on the job Brain injuries can change a person’s life in the blink of an eye. In the span of a single incident, a person can become unable to work or care for themselves. Thus, preventing brain injuries on the job is vital. There are several ways to avoid brain injuries to workers: Have safety protocols in place and routinely reviewed Raise awareness of the risks of brain injuries among workers Adequately train workers for hazardous conditions Provide protective gear to employees Workers should also comply with safety regulations, wear helmets and other gear when necessary and stay alert on the job. These measures can protect workers and prevent brain injuries from threatening their health and livelihood. However, even when the above is provided and followed, accidents still occur.  Under Maryland law, an employer need not act negligently to be responsible for a work place accident.  Should a worker experience a head or brain injury, it is important they contact an experienced attorney to ensure the injured worker receives the medical care and benefits needed to recover from their injury.

Road construction, repairs and relocation projects are critical to Maryland’s infrastructure. Despite how critical these projects are, they can still be frustrating for road users and dangerous for workers. This combination tragically results in hundreds of deaths and numerous injuries in work zones every year. Even when a work zone accident results in non-fatal injuries, it has the potential to change victim’s lives dramatically. Thus, knowing the common causes of these incidents can help people avoid them. Who is to blame for work zone accidents? Recent reports suggest that speeding and distracted motorist s are most commonly to blame for work zone accidents. Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely or enter restricted areas also are at risk of causing an accident. Additionally, drivers who miss detours or fail to observe construction barriers also contribute to accidents. However, drivers are not the only people who cause accidents. Work zone accidents also occur when construction vehicles hit or back over a worker or when a worker slips and falls. Further, workers can experience injuries if they are struck by debris from passing cars or if they are victims of exposure to toxic chemicals. Staying safe in work zones Motorist behavior have a dramatic impact on worker safety. Drivers can prevent countless accidents by paying attention, slowing down and giving other vehicles more space. Unfortunately, not everyone does this, and many drivers endanger the safety of road workers. That considered, workers can also take precautions to stay safe. This includes wearing protective and reflective gear, as well as simply staying alert around construction equipment. These efforts go a long way in keeping everyone safer in a work zone, though accidents may still happen. What to do when accidents do occur After a work zone accident, the injured worker should assess the nature of their injuries. If emergency medical care is not required, the injured worker should be sure to report the accident to a supervisor and obtain the information of the parties involved in the accident.  This may include co-workers, bystander witnesses, or a person who was at-fault for the accident. If the accident occurs on an active roadway, it may be best to contact the police. If a person attempts to leave the scene, it usually dangerous to attempt to pursue the individual.  Recording a license plate and contacting the police is best choice under such circumstances. Road side accidents are often complicated as there may be claims under workers’ compensation as well as a general personal injury claim.  Receipt of benefits from claim prior to another could also have an adverse effect on the injured worker’s recovery.  If such an accident occurs, it is important that the injured worker contact an attorney that is familiar with both types of claims to ensure the claims are handled in the best interest of the injured worker.

Scaffolding can be a critical component of any major construction project in Maryland. However, while its purpose is to make worksites safer and more accessible for workers, it can also cause unsafe conditions and accidents that ultimately endanger people. Some of the common causes for scaffolding failures and accidents include: Improper construction: Erecting scaffolding requires careful attention and proper construction. If parties fail to follow directions or if parts are broken or defective, the integrity of the system – and the safety of those on the structures – can be in jeopardy. Nature: High winds, flying debris, rain, ice and hail can all cause problems for scaffolding and those who are on it. It can make surfaces slippery or cause the structure to sway, tip or collapse. As such, when the weather is bad, workers should stay off scaffolding. Upon returning to the site, inspecting the scaffolding’s integrity can be wise. Reckless parties: Bystanders and others who have no role in a construction project can compromise the safety of scaffolding when they are careless. For instance, recently, an unlicensed driver was speeding and lost control of his vehicle. He crashed into scaffolding, causing it to collapse. Luckily, no one was on the structure at the time. Substandard materials: Even when scaffolding is built correctly, it can put workers at risk if platforms, beams, tubes, locks, ladders or other parts are defective or of poor quality. Thus, contractors and workers should inspect materials before and during a project to ensure they are not weak, broken or missing. It may not be possible to stop every scaffolding accident from occurring, especially those caused by others’ recklessness or unexpected weather events. However, when contractors and workers understand the risks that come with working on scaffolding, they can appreciate the importance of maximizing efforts to prevent accidents and stay safer in the event that one occurs.

When workplace accidents result in severe, life-changing injuries, people often want to know if someone could have prevented them. The unfortunate truth is that many work-related injuries are preventable with safety protocols, proper training and the use of protective equipment. But when these measures are not in place, the result could be catastrophic for workers. Multiple violations take a devastating toll on worker For instance, an employee at an agricultural processing plant suffered lacerations and partial leg amputation when he got stuck in a grain bin auger. Grain bin accidents are a real threat to agricultural workers. Sadly, they often result in tragic injuries or death. Making matters worse is the fact that many accidents involving workers in or around grain bins are preventable. In this case, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the processing company for seven willful violations after the accident. The company failed to train workers properly, secure the space and comply with machine safety regulations. While reports note that the company understands where it failed and is taking steps to improve safety, seven previous inspections resulted in similar violations and fines. Thus, it will be interesting to see if this case sparks actual action to prevent future incidents. Workers pay the price for failed safety compliance Employers must take seriously their responsibility to train workers properly and keep work spaces safe. They must also supervise employees to be sure they comply with safety practices. When employers or others fail to take these steps, their negligence can result in a preventable accident. And it is often the workers who suffer the consequences in the form of an injury. Therefore, workers must take their own and co-workers safety seriously to help prevent injury, even if their employer does not act in their best interest. That said, Maryland law does not require an employer acted negligently for a worker to be covered under the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act.  When a person is injured on the job, whether it clearly be the fault of an employer not properly ensuring a safe working environment, or just an unexpected situation that led to an injury, workers should contact counsel to know and protect their rights.