Workplace Safety Programs are the First Line of Defense Against Work Injuries

When it comes to earning a living, we are all entitled to go to work in a happy safe environment.  The problem is that some companies just don't take safety seriously.  Splashy news articles often grace the front page of newspapers when companies fail to take worker safety into account.  In instances of heavy machinery, this could lead to the death of an employee by often gruesome means.  Or it could mean lasting debilitating injuries which cause the worker not only physical pain, but also mental anguish and financial distress.

Avoid injury in the workplace

Safety records just don't become great overnight. There has to be a concerted effort between the employer and the employees to establish and maintain a healthy safety record.  This includes the establishment and communication of a rigorous workplace safety program. Absent such a program, employers run the risk of accidents which can be tragic.  If a company isn't taking your safety seriously, you should inquire whether or not they have a plan in place to minimize workplace injury.  Effective workplace safety plans include the following:

• evacuation procedures in case of a natural disaster or in case of a large event at the company
• procedures for safe handling of dangerous materials
• procedures for the safe operation of machines and to prevent injury
• material data sheets which explain the presence of any potentially harmful chemicals
• procedures for the safe performance of job duties 
• procedures in place for medical attention 
• and more...

To minimize workplace injuries, a strong workplace safety program should be considered the first line of defense.  This should be considered the bare minimum a company should do to ensure their workers' safety on site.  

If you have been injured on the job, you do have rights. First, report the injury to your superior and to your human resources' department. Secondly, you should retain a skilled work injury attorney to ensure your rights are being looked after.  In this case, you do not want to take the chance that your company does the right thing. In some cases, they don't, or won't because of a lack of knowledge, inattention, or concern that this will reflect badly upon their company. Don't allow yourself to be dissuaded from obtaining the help you need. 

County Employee's Work Injury Ignored as He Suffers

Ocean County, California officials are feeling the pressure today.  Recently, a compost operator, David Jones, fell and injured his back and his hand on the job.  He has since been in such debilitating pain that he spends frequent nights in the emergency room.  Doctor after doctor has examined Mr. Jones and determined his hand is unusable.  He has been declared so severely injured that he cannot return to work.  With no income, Mr. Jones is about to lose his house.  To date, he has not received the benefits he's applied for.  Nor has he been able to pay the rent.  

In response to his work injuries and pleas for benefits, Ocean County has fired Mr. Jones.  He is so severely injured that his hand remains curled and unusable, he walks with a cane (when he is able to walk) due to numbness and difficulty walking.  To the County, they determined his work injuries and subsequent required medical care was an abandonment of his job. 

Know Your Work Injury Rights

In the State of California, employers are required to carry Worker's Compensation benefits.  When you sustain a work injury, you are legally allowed to file a claim for compensation.  However, herein lies the problem.  Because of a history of abuses in the system, even severely injured patients are sometimes given the runaround when it comes to obtaining benefits. For this reason, injured people like Mr. Jones are generally advised to contact a skilled work injury lawyer. 

When people are injured on the job, the medical bills can pile up.  Even with health insurance, the thousands of dollars in medical bills can be severely outside of a person's financial means.  This can easily drain bank accounts, place families at risk for foreclosure of their home, and cause suffering for a family who is now without their primary breadwinner. 

When you've been hurt on the job, you are entitled to file a Workers' Compensation claim.  Although often, consumers who represent themselves do not do as well, the system was set in place to help people with work injuries.  By hiring a skilled work injury lawyer, you increase the odds that you will be compensated fairly for your injuries.

What Injuries are Compensated

Typically, workers' compensation pays larger sums for more severe work injuries.  However, depending upon the nature of your injury and the circumstances surrounding your work injury, you could be entitled to quite large sums.  You should discuss your unique case with your work injury lawyer.

Often, workers who are injured at work suffer the following:

• broken bones
• concussions, head injuries
• back and neck injuries
• spine and disc injuries
• crippling of appendages
• amputations due to loss of limbs
• vision loss, hearing loss
• stroke, heart attack
• death

If you have suffered a work injury, you should both seek medical help and call a skilled work injury lawyer today.  Protect your rights and avoid the trauma that Mr. Jones has been forced to endure.

Horse Back Riding Causes Thousands of Injuries Per Year

Every year, millions of Americans saddle up and ride a horse for amusement or sport.  However, each year, thousands of Americans are also injured horseback riding.  Over 75,000 people go to the emergency room every year for horseback riding injuries.  Ranging from minor injuries to fatal injuries, it's clear that horseback riding can present a risk of significant injury to people if you're not careful.

Am I at Risk for Injury Riding a Horse

Horses are large animals, generally weighing in at around 1,000 pounds as adults.  They are also temperamental animals.  As prey animals, horses are easily spooked by everything from wildlife scurrying in the brush to noises that inexperienced horseback riders make.

The majority of injuries that people experience happen on the ground before ever mounting a horse.  Often this comes in the form of biting behavior or kicking.  While on the horse, common injuries occur because horses spook, sometimes drag riders, and will attempt to buck riders off.  Inexperienced riders can find themselves at greater risk than experienced riders. The following injuries are possible as a result of riding a horse:

• fractures, sprains
• broken bones, dislocations
• bruises
• spine and back injuries
• concussions, head injuries
• soft tissue damage (skin, ligaments, tendons)
• death

While death is not common, it is generally the result of severe head trauma. Often, the trauma is severe, the result of instances such as being kicked by a horse, falling off of the horse, or being dragged through the terrain. 

How Can I Protect Myself from Horseback Riding Injuries

Given the potential for injury, horseback riders are encouraged to take precautions that will prevent injury.  This includes:

• wearing helmets
• wearing boots to protect your feet, legs
• properly matching the boot stirrup to the rider's height
• proper boot placement within the stirrup
• not riding excessively baggy clothing
• body protection gear to prevent fractures 
• accompaniment by more experienced riders

Despite these protections, accidents can happen at any time.  If you've been injured horseback riding, you should seek medical attention.  You may also want to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to determine whether or not you may be eligible for compensation.  It is possible that your accident was caused by the stable's negligence or carelessness.  You should call a skilled personal injury attorney to determine if you have a case today.