Many residents of North Carolina find it necessary to work to get by. Because so many individuals must head off to a job each day it is fortunate that there are many options when it comes to choosing an occupation. For some residents of North Carolina, the furniture industry fills that void. While the fact that such jobs are available is a wonderful thing, not all who work in the industry have a good experience. These are people who have suffered an injury after becoming ill while working with a chemical used on furniture cushions.
Virtual training for forklifts provides new option to operators
Situations exist throughout the state of North Carolina that could lead to work accidents. One place that is particularly ripe for such incidents is a warehouse where vehicles such as forklifts are used regularly. These accidents occur all too frequently and result in serious injuries and even death to workers.
One way to deal with any potentially risky situation, such as those that could arise with the operation of a forklift, is to provide safety training. Historically this training has consisted of videos, instruction in the classroom, observing the vehicle and how it operates and actual hands on instruction. Forklift training was recently updated by a company that received a grant for the project.
Teen driving deaths in North Carolina drop
For many people in the state of North Carolina operating a motor vehicle is the most risky activity they undertake each day. Because cars are so vital to the lives of most many likely do not think about it in that context. The reality however is that serious, even fatal, car accidents are a possibility each and every time someone gets into a car.
There is good news in the state of North Carolina where teen drivers are concerned. According to recent statistics released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of 16 and 17-year-old drivers who lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina, in the first six months of 2012 was down. This trend is decidedly against what is happening nationally where the number increased by 19 percent.
North Carolina woman awarded benefits after injury on lunch break
People are injured while working regularly throughout the state of North Carolina. These injuries happen in a variety of settings including factories and construction sites. They also occur in office settings. Regardless of where they occur it is possible that the injured worker could receive workers' compensation benefits via a claim against his or her employer.
It is not a given that upon application, workers' compensation benefits will be granted. There are many reasons why an employer may try to get out of paying the benefits including claiming that the injury was not sustained during the course of the injured party's job. A North Carolina woman recently experienced this very thing.
Deaths due to North Carolina workplace accidents down in 2012
On the job accidents are an unfortunate reality for workers throughout the nation, including the state of North Carolina. On many occasions the accidents result in either no, or minor injuries to those involved. In those cases it is possible that the injured worker will be out of work for a while recovering. In the worst cases however, death is the end result.
Statistics regarding the number of workers who died in North Carolina in 2012 are in and the results are positive. Compared to the previous year there was a 34 percent drop, down to 35 deaths. This result keeps North Carolina in the top 10 states when it comes to safety at work. Wake County was one of the counties that reported the highest number of work related deaths in 2012, however. It, along with two other counties, registered a total of three deaths apiece.
The link between sleep medications and preventable accidents
Last year, motor vehicle accidents impacted the lives of millions of Americans. One reason that motor vehicle accident rates spiked last year in certain contexts has recently been made increasingly clear. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that certain sleep aids remain in the system of certain patients well into the morning hours. This level of medication causes individuals to remain drowsy at the start of the day and inspires accidents as workers leave for their jobs and also causes employees to be hurt on the job.
As a result of these findings, the FDA is instructing manufacturers of sleep aids containing the active ingredient zolpidem to lower their dosages for women specifically. Women metabolize zolpidem more slowly than men do. Affected drugs include Ambien, Zolpimist and Edluar. Extended release medications containing zolpidem will have their doses cut in half for men as well.
Sick leave with pay increases worker safety in North Carolina
United States law does not mandate that companies provide essential paid sick leave for their employees. It is up to the employer whether or not to provide paid sick leave. Some companies do offer paid leave to employees, but some do not offer such leave. A new study indicates that injuries in the workplace may be reduced if employees are offered paid sick leave.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study which concludes that employees who have access to sick leave perform better. If a person does not have paid leave, lost income for time off becomes a major concern. People often prefer to go to work even if they are sick, when considering their financial needs.
Hospital Fined For Failing to Protect Its Employees from Patient Attacks
A North Carolina mental hospital has been fined $15,300 for failing to protect its employees from violent patients. The government-run Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro experienced at least eight employee injuries this year. The employees were injured in patient attacks or when the employee attempted to break up fights that broke out between patients or with patients and other staff.
The Department of Labor fined the hospital for violating federal workplace safety regulations. They were also cited for failing to report injuries to regulators. The report recommended that the state implement more resources to prevent and control patient attacks, including more staff and better training.
Personal Protective Equipment on Construction Sites
Construction workers face hazardous situations on a regular basis. As a result, they are typically required to use of specific safety equipment to protect them from harm. To aid both workers and employers in choosing the appropriate safety gear and avoiding personal injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued personal protective equipment, or PPE, guidelines.
OSHA's guidelines extensively address recommendations for equipment to be worn by the workers and the best practices for equipment frequently used by construction workers.
North Carolina S. Ct. Rules DOT May Be Liable for Road Disrepair
The North Carolina Supreme Court issued a ruling recently that may have broad implications for the loved ones of victims seeking to hold the state liable for certain kinds of negligence which ultimately contributes to fatal car crashes.
The Supreme Court held that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) may be sued for negligence due to alleged road disrepair in the wake of an accident.
