Category: Workplace Issues

Most Common Employee Injuries and How to Prevent Them

"Caution Wet Floor"There are certain occupations that automatically bring up visions of accidents and injuries by simply thinking of them. These jobs are often industry specific, and they can range from roofing to highrise building construction. It’s important to know, however, that an individual can be injured in absolutely any type of workplace. This fact becomes quite apparent after considering some of the most common workplace accidents and injuries.

Automobile Accident Injuries

While everyone knows the inherent dangers of traveling on America’s highways, those who drive for a living face this danger on a daily basis.  Sadly, accidents on the open road can lead to broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain damage and even death. On top of this, personal injury laws usually mean that the driver and their employer will wind up in court in one way or the other.

Avoiding these accidents is imperative. The most important advice anyone can take is to pay attention to what they’re doing. Recent data shows that nearly 20 percent of all auto accidents are caused by distracted driving. By simply putting the phone down and paying attention, employees on the road can minimize their chances of being injured.

Lacerations and Cuts

Cuts and lacerations are a common injury in industries where employees use sharp objects. Luckily, most of these injuries are minor, but on occasion, not wearing protective gear can lead to serious accidents involving these dangerous objects. Whether working with meat slicers, butcher knives or even perforating cutting tools, wearing the appropriate safety gear can prevent otherwise infrequent accidents.

Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most active areas of personal injury law in the legal system. Oftentimes, when these accidents occur in the workplace, they are covered under workers’ compensation insurance; but certain employees, such as seamen in the shipping industry, actually retain their right to bring personal injury suits against their employers.

In addition, when reckless negligence leads to a workplace accident in any industry, most employees have the right to sue. Between the injury and the possible settlement, both the employer and employee are going to be hurt in this scenario. This is why it’s important to immediately mark and cleanup liquid spills, correct any landscaping problems that present a tripping risk and also ensure that slip-resistant shoes are being worn in slip prone industries (ie. food service).

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains can occur easily when a person overexerts themselves. Overexertion is actually the leading cause of workplace related injuries. This means that there should always be proper techniques in place to minimize these risks. Workers who must move large or heavy objects, for instance, should always have help. It’s also important to not try to lift a heavy object that is over one’s head; a person should get on eye level with it, especially if on a ladder, before attempting to lift the object.

Struck by an Object

The Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety compiled some of the most common workplace injuries and accidents, and being struck by objects landed in the top five. This usually occurs when an object falls and strikes a person. This can lead to head, neck and other bodily injuries. Luckily, there are a few ways to minimize these risks as well.

Many industries have an inherent risk of objects falling on people. In these industries, proper safety gear (ie. hardhats) and warning signs should be utilized. A premises liability attorney, such the North Carolina law offices of Powers McCartan, can offer valuable advice about safety issues. It’s important for workers to receive proper safety training to learn how to avoid accidents, such as not walking under ladders, keeping a clean work site and, in certain industries, properly securing loads before they’re moved.

The simple truth is that anyone involved in any industry can be injured on the job. These injuries can lead to high medical bills, increased insurance rates, personal injury lawsuits and lost productivity. Only responding to these incidents in reactionary terms is a huge problem in every industry that can make the occurrence of the aforementioned consequences more likely. When proper safety measures are adhered to however, plenty of heartaches can be prevented for both the worker and the employer.

A former news writer, Ann Bailey encourages small business owners to be aware of these top employee injury areas. The law offices of Powers McCartan are experienced in all types of employee injury cases, and have valuable information for any small business in North Carolina wanting to avoid potential employee safety hazards.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carbonnyc/3993866642/

 

What Small Businesses Should Do to Protect Employees from Catastrophic Weather

As an employer, there are many things that you must consider when it comes to the safety of your employees. Installing alarm systems and security lights, ensuring that walk ways are free from debris, and maintaining machinery are just a few examples. However, one thing that many employers overlook is safety from weather conditions.

Severe weather can happen at any time. Depending on the area of the country in which you live, you may be faced with tornadoes, hurricanes, winter snow storms, heavy thunderstorms, or even earthquakes. It is crucial that you have a weather emergency plan implemented in your place of business.
storm shelter
What You Can Do To Keep Your Employees Safe

• Have a designated emergency shelter area. You want to make sure that there is a safe place that your employees can retreat to in the event of strong storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes. You may want to have an empty supply closet or meeting room designated. Create specific instructions for your employees to follow in these types of situations.

• Make snow removal plans early. Make sure that you have a snow removal service in place to ensure clear walks and driveways. Coat these areas with the appropriate de-icing agents to ensure that they do not become too slippery for safe passage.

• Have a fire contingency plan in place. Fire Drills are not just for school kids. Make sure that all your exits properly work and are always accessible. Review your fire drill procedures monthly with your employees.

• Review building codes and regulations. Make sure that the office/building that you are in is in compliance with all building code regulations for weather. As reviewed by Indianapolis personal injury attorney, Randy Sevenish, “Personal injury or “tort” claims cover a wide range of physical or emotional injuries caused by another’s actions or failure to account for (a victim’s) safety.” If you have employees in a hurricane area, for example, you will want to ensure that you have the proper glass in your windows to withstand high winds. If you are in a heavy snow area, you will want to ensure that your roofing is fit to carry the weight of the snow.

• Provide first aid that’s readily available. If an emergency occurs, you also want to be prepared to administer any type of emergency care possible. This may include having compresses that can be “cracked” to provide cold or heat relief and bandages. If possible, have a way to contact emergency personnel included with your kit.

If you are not sure how to go about creating an employee emergency plan, or what should be included, you are encouraged to contact a personal injury attorney for advice. An attorney that specializes in injuries can offer the best advice on how to prevent injuries to a business owner. Additionally, a personal injury attorney can review your current plans to ensure that they are complete and in compliance with any laws in your area.

One of the best ways that an employer can prevent injuries from occurring, even during a weather event, is to be prepared. Have a plan in place, and make sure that your employees are trained in all aspects of this plan. Implement safety meetings, and depending on the season, review the weather safety protocols at those meetings.

As a news writer and reporter, Ann Bailey covered numerous emergency weather conditions, now compiling these steps for business owners to follow. Indianapolis personal injury attorney, Randy Sevenish works strenuously for compensation for his clients involved in injury accidents at the fault of their employers or other liable parties.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usacehq/5913266168/

 

Protecting the Merchandise: What Business Owners Should Tell Employees About Shoplifting

Dee DeeEmployees are responsible for a large percentage of retail theft. Internal thieves can embezzle funds from the register, activate and spend gift cards and take product off the loading dock and put it into the trash to pick it up after their shift. Employers must take steps to reduce the amount of employee theft while simultaneously treating their employees with the appropriate level of respect. This can be deceptively challenging.

Internal Theft and the Employer’s Rights

Employers have the right to retain their property and not have it stolen by their workers. To enforce their property rights, employers may take certain measures to monitor employees. Employers have the right to monitor employees on camera in areas in which they have no reasonable expectation of privacy or in which they have consented to being monitored. The employment agreement and all entrances to the building should contain an advisement that the employee is being monitored on video and audio. Employers may not record restrooms.

In some states, employers also have a right to use force. This so-called “shopkeeper’s privilege” simply allows the shopkeeper to use reasonable force to detain a thief until the police arrive. If an employee is suspected of theft, the employer may detain the employee to investigate the matter. This is generally not advised, as crossing the line from a reasonable detention to a false arrest or false imprisonment is easy, as is using excessive force. Employers may also contact the police when they believe that an employee is stealing to arrest or cite the employee.

In practice, using physical force against a thieving employee is usually unnecessary. Employers have a large amount of detailed personal information regarding their employees and fleeing the scene will not help the employee evade apprehension. Additionally, many employees and employers would prefer to keep small-scale thefts out of court. For limited thefts, employers will usually terminate an employee and not press charges. Instead, the employee and employer will make other arrangements, such as compensating the business, resigning voluntarily, and staying away from the business.

Gracefully Warning Employees Not to Steal

Employees expect to be treated fairly. Explicitly holding an organizational meeting and advising employees not to steal implies that at least some of the employees are potential thieves. While employee theft comprises a large portion of all retail shrinkage, calling attention to the issue will reduce employee morale. Employers who treat employees as thieves will offend employees and incur a high turnover rate, which costs the organization money.

At the same time, employers must have clear guidelines expressly spelled out for all employees in the event that an employee does steal. The best way to deal with such competing issues is to address the issue directly in the employee manual and indirectly in person. The employee manual should specify that theft is an offense that will result in immediate termination and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. If an employee steals anyway, always follow through on the manual. Including a provision in the manual discussing the legal consequences of the theft may also be prudent.

Indirectly addressing the issue in person requires tact. When orienting a new employee or installing a new system, employers should take the employee or employees on a brief tour of the building. Point out all available cameras, including those over the cash registers, in the stockrooms, and near the trashcans outside. Do not raise the issue of employee theft; instead, point out the surveillance system and all security features as a precaution designed to protect employees in the event of a crime. This sends a message to potential thieves without sending any offensive messages.

Employee Theft and the Law

Anyone who steals merchandise can face a variety of charges, but as one Ellicott City criminal defense attorney has noted, “the severity of this type of charge in Maryland increases if you steal from your employer.” Thieving employees are often charged with either larceny or theft. Larceny occurs where one takes and carries away the personal property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner for the actor’s own gain. Theft is similar, but the goal of theft is to take the item for pecuniary gain. If an employee steals an item because they intend to use the item, it will usually be a larceny charge; if an employee steals an item with the intent of reselling it, the charge will normally be theft.

Larceny and theft are segmented further into petty larceny or theft and grand larceny or theft. Petty theft or larceny is usually a misdemeanor while grand theft or larceny is generally a felony. The value of the property determines whether an act of theft or larceny is petty or grand, and different jurisdictions apply different values differently depending upon the property. A felony record is far more damaging to an employee’s long-term prospects than a misdemeanor conviction, as a felon loses certain rights and employers frequently discriminate against felons.

If the employee was entrusted with the property, the employee may be charged with embezzlement. Embezzlement occurs where one wrongfully converts property owned by someone else and entrusted to the actor’s care to the actor’s own use. This commonly occurs with cashiers pocketing funds in a retail setting; employees will not ring up sales or ring up sales for a lesser sum and pocket the difference. Embezzlement can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending upon the amount.

A burglary charge may also be added to the underlying charges. If the employee entered the building with the intent to commit a felony, regardless of whether the employee used force, the employee may be charged with burglary. Burglary is a felony independent of any other felonies with which an employee may be charged like felony embezzlement or grand theft. Burglary is a serious crime and often results in jail time.

Employees who violate the law can face a variety of harsh penalties, but many do not. Businesses are often reluctant to press charges for petty offenses and the low wages and high turnover of retail workers ensures that there is no end of potential suspects. Combating internal theft requires visible deterrents and a culture of open communication with management. At the same time, employees accused of misconduct are always entitled to a strong legal defense. Employees who are charged with an internal crime should contact experienced legal counsel to help address the charges. A single mistake does not define anyone’s character and it should not follow a person for the rest of his or her life.

 
Ann Bailey is a former news writer and shares these warnings with any small business owner who may need encouragement in combating employee theft.

Forget About Winning against the War on Workplace Injuries, Facts That You Cannot Ignore

People like to believe that they are safe even when their lives seems to be hanging by a thread. This is a common human psychology and there is no way you can change this. And as this mentality is deeply rooted, it is no wonder that business organizations still continue to ignore those workplace safety issues that could have led to life threatening incidents. Originations feel that they are doing a commendable job as the injury rates are down compared to last year and the safety system seems to be working fine like a well oiled machine. And out of this complacency, organizations start relaxing and giving less attention to things that could play a decisive role during a life and death circumstance. No matter, how bullet proof the safety system of a workplace may look like, there will always be some rooms for improvements and you can only identify those areas only when you start realizing the fact that your safety system is not perfect, in fact, far from being perfect.

However, I am not saying that you have to waste your hard earn money on some trivial issues that would have zero impact or little impact on the safety system of your workplace. When you are spending too much time and efforts on trivial things, chances will be that you may miss out on crucial things that could spell doom for the safety of your workers. Moreover, as our business models are changing all the time and we are embracing new technologies to give productivity a shot in the arm, the existing safety systems starts becoming obsolete. For this reason, you can never claim that your workplace is perfectly ‘safe’   for workers because of the dynamic nature of your business. But for some unknown reasons some business owners have started believing that they have won the battle against the menace of workplace injury; but when you start believing in things so absurd, you are going to lose the battle for sure. Here are some other ways to lose the battle against the menace of workplace injuries

Image Source - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kendrak/3769525335/
Image Source – http://www.flickr.com/photos/kendrak/3769525335/

We Know it All Attitude:

When we enter a new place or face a new situation, we take every possible precaution to get used to that. We follow the rules carefully and think twice before making a move as we are not sure when a problem may crop up. But as soon as we realize that we have gathered enough information about the situation and how to tackle it, we start messing up. We become comfortable with things and this is exactly where we start making mistakes. However, you may argue that we get used to things as we gather more inputs about the work that we are going on a regular basis, but you also cannot refute the fact that this experience also puts you in greater danger as you become oblivious of the obvious dangers in some jobs.

workers
Image Source – http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaxport/7657583704/

We are Over Confident

You have probably heard this hundreds of time before – ‘Change is the only constant thing in the world’, but you might have never given it a serious thought. If you have, you would have certainly realized that workplace hazards, just like any other things in the world, change and evolve and that means, you have to be proactive and find out the flaws in your safety system on regular basis. But as it appears, people tend to ignore this as they grow a feeling that they have won the war against the hazards.  As the perception of dangers starts diminishing, the probability of hazards increases. Therefore, you have to accept that your safety system is not 100% perfect and there is always some room for improvements.

Disruptive Technology

Induction of a new technology does not necessarily mean that it is going to add positive effect in your organization’s safety and security system. People might find it really tough to deal with the new technology and they might make silly mistakes that could have led to minor or major injuries. So, whenever you are inducting new technologies, you have to make sure that people who are going to use this are at ease with it otherwise, it might have negative impacts on the whole production process.

About the Author: This article is contributed by Michael Evans who is associated with Mobile Safety Steps, which is UK’s leading manufacturer of safety steps.  Visit our website.

Home Business for New Parents: How a Play Crib Can Help You Organize

In order to spend more time with their babies and to cut child care costs, parents are opting to do business from home instead of at the office. Working from home with a baby can be challenging, and it requires structure, organization and the right tools.

Home Office needs Playard

The Right Crib

An all-in-one playpen and crib, or playard, can provide the most comfortable and safe setting for your child to nap and play. With a set of built-in toys, your baby can be entertained while you work from home. Toys with noises and melodies, bright colors and plush materials can be soothing and fun. As your child begins to grow, you’ll want to make sure the crib remains a safe environment, and they’re unable to get into dangerous situations by climbing out unnoticed.

A Routine to Enjoy

It may be rough at the beginning to get into a routine as you try to balance work and a new baby. However, as the weeks go on, you’ll be able to establish a more realistic plan for how to spend the day. You’re going to have to practice flexibility, and you may be required to get more work done when your baby naps and after bedtime. If your child is on the floor, you can take the laptop down next to them while they play. It may be fun reading your work out loud to your baby. They won’t understand what you’re saying, but the inflection in your soothing voice with be helpful with their language development.

Portable Baby Carrier

Another way to keep your baby close is with a baby carrier or portable bassinet. Infants are especially comforted when they’re close to a parent during the early stages after birth. A carrier allows you the freedom to work on the computer with your child attached close to your chair.

Age Appropriate Toys

The age appropriate toys in an activity center are designed to keep your baby entertained. The average attention span of an child is figured as three to five minutes per year of the child’s age. Changing activities can be easy when you have the right tools. A bouncy chair mimics a parent’s gentle bounce and comes with a host of activities to keep your baby entertained. Baby mats and activity gyms are just as fun for your child, especially when you add plush toy animals and rattles. Baby swings and playards are also popular with stay at home parents. Make sure to position the equipment so that it not only faces you, but it is close to you and your work station. In addition to making them fun and entertaining for your child, choosing the right toy should also be important to their development and coordination.

The All Important Break

You don’t want your home business environment to be all work and chaos. The advantage to working at home is that you get to spend time with your baby, so you need to make sure you take a few breaks. Taking time out to play or read a story can promote bonding and relieve stress from a busy day.

Making money is important when you set up your business at home. However, it’s just as important to spend quality time and make special memories together too.

A work at home parent, Ann Bailey posts these reminders for new parents in a home-based business. Kids II, an innovative child equipment company, offers the Bright Starts playard activity and safety crib for all parents’ peace of mind about their infant’s health, comfort, inspiration and safety.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dharrels/3095646139/