Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects many workers in Connecticut, and some of them may be wondering if it can be covered under the workers' compensation program. The answer varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction since there have been many legal and medical debates about the nature of CTS, but the condition is in fact the one for which injury benefits are most commonly paid out. CTS accounts for about one third of all workers' comp benefits.
Pro athletes doing bad deeds: Workers' comp edition
It makes sense that Property Casualty 360 (a national underwriter) would publish an article about pro athletes trying to "game the system." The article ends with a link to America's Claims Event, which takes place in Austin this summer. At the Event, attendees can learn how insurers spot fraudulent claims. The article was written by the executive director of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, which characterizes fraud as "the crime you pay for."
Eye injuries a danger on the job
Keeping one's eyes safe on the job is important for people in Connecticut dealing with hazardous tasks and substances. However, even for workers in offices, eye safety can be a priority and a matter for action as eye injuries in the workplace can be costly and devastating. There are over 20,000 injuries to workers' eyes on the job each year in the United States.
OSHA continues alliance with entertainment industry groups
Connecticut workers in the entertainment industry may be interested to know that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opted to continue an alliance with two major entertainment worker organizations for another five years. By renewing its partnership with International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, OSHA will continue to safeguard the health and safety of people who work in entertainment industry.
Determining a safe anchor point
For some workers and employers in Connecticut, the selection of anchor points can be a concern when aiming to comply with the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Many safety professionals believe that the relevant regulations should have the anchor points capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per person attached. However, the actual standard for anchor points differs slightly from this common belief.
Former OSHA head emphasizes enforcement for worker safety
Workers on the job in Connecticut and across the country face dangerous situations in many cases that must be addressed by clear enforcement and general oversight. The former head of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, or OSHA, emphasized these points in testimony before a Congressional subcommittee on protections for the workforce. He emphasized that voluntary programs are no substitute for inspections, standards and enforcement for their effect on workers' health and safety on a job site. Voluntary programs produce only limited benefits for a restricted subset of workers, he said.
Report shows decrease in tree care worker deaths in 2017
According to a new report from the Tree Care Industry Association, 2017 saw a 22 percent decrease in tree care worker fatalities and a 16 percent decrease in worker injuries. Out of 129 incident reports that researchers analyzed, 72 involved fatalities. This is an improvement from 2016, when 153 incidents occurred, 92 of them fatal. Tree care workers in Connecticut may be wondering, though, what's being done to enhance their safety.
OSHA publishes tree care safety guidelines
Tree care businesses in Connecticut and across the U.S. will benefit from the new safety guidelines that OSHA has published specifically for them. Its guidance document covers five majors hazards that tree care employers and employees face.
OSHA provides guidelines for silica exposure on the job
Connecticut residents who work in construction or other industries where exposure to silica is a possible danger may be concerned about related long-term health consequences. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a fact sheet to accompany rules that lay out the standards for exposure to respirable crystalline silica, a substance that could lead to the development of occupational diseases like silicosis. The fact sheet provides suggested and required actions that employers can take to implement the standards for exposure to the mineral substance in order to reduce the danger to employees, including providing training and establishing plans in case of exposure.
Marijuana and workers' comp in 2018
Marijuana is a "hot-button" issue for 2018 in workers' comp, according to Property Casualty 360, which frames the issue around the idea of a "potentially impaired workforce."
