Speak To Attorney Now
(916) 775-8085
SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(916) 775-8085
Speak To Attorney Now
(916) 775-8085 SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(916) 775-8085
Link to Article: https://www.sacbee.com/news/equity-lab/article252933498.html
California in 2005 became the first state to establish a standard to protect outdoor workers from heat exposure.
Water: Workers must have access to fresh, pure, free and “suitably cool” drinking water. Water must be available “as close as practicable” to the areas where they are working. For places where water is not “continuously supplied,” workers must be given at least one quart of drinking water per hour for the entire shift.
Shade: Employers must have one or more areas with shade at all times if the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A shaded area must be open to the air or provided with ventilation or cooling. The area needs to be as close as practicable to where employees work. Employees can request shade even if the temperature is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, employers can be granted exceptions if they use other cooling measures such as misting machines that provide “equivalent protection.” Those in the agricultural industry seeking exceptions also need to demonstrate that it is not possible or unsafe to have a shade structure at their workplace.
Cal-OSHA warns that shades must allow the body to cool. Metal storage sheds, for instance, are not considered shades unless they provide a comparable cooling environment.
Rest: Workers must be allowed and encouraged to take a preventive cooldown break in the shade. They can’t be ordered back to work until any signs or symptoms of heat illness have abated. The break must be at least five minutes, in addition to the time workers took to get to the shade.
The standard has a special provision for farmworkers: If the temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, they must be allowed to take at least a 10-minute cool-down break every two hours.
Monitoring: Supervisors must closely observe their workers during heatwaves, defined as days where high temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit above the average highs in the preceding five days.
Supervisors must take immediate action, such as offering onsite first aid or emergency medical services, if they see or hear signs or symptoms of heat illness in workers. Symptoms can include staggering, vomiting, disorientation and decreased level of consciousness.
Training: Employers must have a heat illness prevention plan in writing. They also must train employees on various subjects, such as symptoms of possible heat illness as well as workers’ rights to water, shade and rests.
The standard applies to all outdoor workplaces.
Workers can call a hotline where they can file a confidential complaint: 877-99-CALOR (877-992-2567). They can also contact their Cal-OSHA office, by calling 1-866-924-9757 or visiting the agency’s website.
Cal-OSHA advises workers when reporting to be as specific as possible about how the heat affects them.
Cal-OSHA is still working on creating specific rules for those working indoors. However, the agency has ways to cite employers for generally creating unsafe working conditions. Reach out to Cal-OSHA if you believe that’s the case.
Workers can visit 99calor.org, a website created by the state to inform them of the standard. The website is also available in Spanish.
More information is also available at the California Department of Industrial Relations’ website, at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/index.htm
Read more here: https://www.sacbee.com/news/equity-lab/article252933498.html
Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact our work compensation attorneys for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.
Give us a call at (916) 775-8085 to speak with a Sacramento workers compensation attorney today.
There was excellent communication. If I didn’t understand something, Adam explained it. I was informed of what to be expected as the case was moving along. Very satisfied with the service.
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mehlhop & Vogt. The firm knows what they are doing and gets stuff done! I always felt respected and cared for. Adam always answered my questions right away and with great detail.
I liked the way Mr. Mehlhop handled my case, he was very professional at all times. I feel like he did the best he could considering my wages.
Back and neck injuries are some of the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries given the sensitivity of the spinal cord and the central nervous system. Suffering any type of injury in general could be a traumatic experience but getting injured while on the job, could be even more stressful. A back injury can happen out of nowhere and depending on what type of work you’re in, you could be prone to more injuries than others. Even if you weren’t participating in an activity that is more susceptible to injuries, if you suffered any back or neck pain due to your line of work, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits under California law. Contact a workers comp attorney in Sacramento to learn more about your options.
Neck injuries vary depending on various factors but some of the most common types of injuries are:
The consequences of a neck or back injury can be debilitating, putting you out of work permanently. That’s why it’s crucial you contact a workers comp attorney in Sacramento immediately. When a specific one-time accident causes your neck or back injury, all that needs to be proven is the accident happened. When it comes to repetitive stress injuries, proving the injuries were a result of your work may be a bit more challenging. Unfortunately, many injured workers who obtain injuries from repetitive stress as opposed to a one-time event, they typically dismiss the cause, not correlating the relation with the job. Because of that, it’s important you contact a workers comp attorney in Sacramento regardless of your situation.
Generally speaking, the most common type of work injury in California are from one-time accidents. But workers compensation applies to all professions. It’s not uncommon for individuals having a desk job to suffer a stiff neck or salesmen to experience slip and fall accidents. Whatever situation you may have experienced, it’s important you seek medical attention as needed and then seek legal advice from a skilled workers comp attorney in Sacramento who will review what caused the accident and how to prepare the best case to get you the compensation you deserve.
The most important thing you need to do is report the accident and injury right away. Waiting for any length of time or taking the wrong steps in doing so can complicate your claim. For example, if you take sick days to recover from the injury instead of filing a workers compensation claim, the legal process can become more complicated.
The most common types of injuries pertain to the back. Depending on the severity, you may need surgery, physical therapy or chiropractic care. Not only does this add up financially, it could put you out of work for a long time, adding additional amount of stress. Having a skilled workers comp attorney in Sacramento by your side, is the best thing you can do to ensure you have a speedy recovery. It’s important to keep in mind that workers’ compensation cases in California could take anywhere from one to two years. That’s why it’s important you start the process immediately, especially to avoid any delays.
Because of the lengthy process, it’s important to be patient and fight for the compensation you actually deserve. It may be an easy solution to just accept the initial offer to get the process over with, you should fight for what you deserve. A workers comp attorney in Sacramento who has experience handling such cases, will know what’s reasonable and how to ensure you get the best settlement.
Since 1987, Mehlhop & Vogt has been devoted to ensuring injured workers get the best medical attention and the workers’ compensation they deserve. Getting injured while on the job can affect your life in many different ways and due to the complexities in the legal process, having a workers comp attorney in Sacramento by your side is the best thing you can do for your future. Give us a call at (916) 930 – 9675 if you’ve been injured while on the job.
Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact our work compensation attorneys for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.
Give us a call at (916) 775-8085 to speak to a work comp attorney in Sacramento now.
There was excellent communication. If I didn’t understand something, Adam explained it. I was informed of what to be expected as the case was moving along. Very satisfied with the service.
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mehlhop & Vogt. The firm knows what they are doing and gets stuff done! I always felt respected and cared for. Adam always answered my questions right away and with great detail.
I liked the way Mr. Mehlhop handled my case, he was very professional at all times. I feel like he did the best he could considering my wages.
Workers’ compensation is the largest premium segment in the U.S. commercial insurance market. Workers’ compensation, mandated by law in 49 U.S. states to provide employer reimbursements for injuries occurring in the course of employment, represents one of the largest nondiscretionary expenses for labor-centric firms.
Yet these premiums are dwarfed by the overall cost of occupational injuries and illnesses, estimated at $250 billion in 2012 by a UC Davis researcher. This figure far exceeds the direct and indirect costs of cancer, diabetes or strokes.
While some progress has been made in addressing expenses, the costs of administering the system are stubbornly high. Take California as an example, where it costs the system $0.54 to deliver $1 worth of benefits. In Medicare, the overhead costs to deliver the same benefits are $0.02.
Operating in a data-poor environment, the insurance industry is using long-established rating and risk guidelines, with retroactive and backward-looking underwriting policies based on loss histories.
Investments in technology and operational efficiency improvements have largely focused on treatment and back-to-work programs after an injury has occurred. The industry has been stymied in its desire to prevent worker injuries by a lack of data and technology that would enable preemptive action.
Read entire article here: http://www.brinknews.com/workers-compensation-is-about-to-be-transformed/
There was excellent communication. If I didn’t understand something, Adam explained it. I was informed of what to be expected as the case was moving along. Very satisfied with the service.
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mehlhop & Vogt. The firm knows what they are doing and gets stuff done! I always felt respected and cared for. Adam always answered my questions right away and with great detail.
I liked the way Mr. Mehlhop handled my case, he was very professional at all times. I feel like he did the best he could considering my wages.
Occupational illnesses occur when an event or exposure occurs in the workplace, resulting in the development or worsening of a medical condition. Workplace accidents can happen to anyone even at the most unexpected time. Though some workplaces are more prone to occupational accidents, such as construction and other manual labor jobs, occupational illness includes a wide range of health problems that can occur even in the most seemingly low-risk office jobs. Regardless of your occupation, if you have gone ill as a result of your workplace, reach out to a Sacramento workers compensation attorney to learn what legal actions you can take.
A large portion of occupation disorders go unreported. According to documents from a hearing before the US House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, as much as 69% of workplace injuries and illnesses are not reported. In 2013, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are nearly 3 million occupational injuries in a single year. In 2007, a study found that the estimated costs for the medical treatment of occupational illnesses in the US was $67 billion.
There are numerous occupational illnesses that can occur due to work environments. Some of the most common are described below.
Due to low quality air conditions and possible airborne contaminants, asthma is a very common occupational illness. It can result in difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Occupational conditions can bring about asthma symptoms without any history or agitate a pre-existing condition. Other more serious respiratory illnesses can include:
If you have suffered any type of these illnesses, consult with an experienced Sacramento workers compensation attorney to learn what you can do.
This condition often develops in workers who complete repeated tasks using their wrists, such as writing or typing. Carpal tunnel is the compression of the median nerve in the arms. This can result in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and clumsiness of the hands. Once a person suffers from carpal tunnel, it often returns.
Workers who have jobs that require them to be outdoors for periods of time have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Jobs that may require prolonged sun exposure include:
If you work in a job that requires constant sun exposure, make sure you’re aware of the dangerous of skin cancer and speak to a Sacramento workers compensation attorney if you have any questions.
Jobs in which the employees are exposed to dangerous and harsh chemicals may lead to the development of skin diseases. Some jobs where this risk is high include construction, painters, cleaners, mechanics, and manufacturers. Many manufacturing processes expose employees to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. The skin diseases that may result from this exposure include:
Jobs that involve loud machinery and excessive noise throughout the employees’ shifts often lead to some amount of hearing loss. Construction workers, people who work at airports, and club or music venue employees are just a few individuals who could suffer. Though it may seem minor, hearing loss is a permanent disruption to a major sense.
One of the most common workplace illnesses is overexertion. Employees are expected to give everything they have to their job in order to be considered a good employee with the chance of a promotion. Overexertion can affect people in the manual labor field, to people in the medical field, to people in high pressure positions. It can affect almost anyone at any level. Though there are laws regarding breaks and the amount of time a person can work, these laws are often ignored or aren’t helpful given the person’s unique situation. In 2013, an investment banking intern died after working 72 straight hours. If you have been injured from overexertion at work, immediately consult with a Sacramento workers compensation attorney. Injuries that often accompany overexertion include:
If you or a loved one may have suffered from a workplace illness, it’s important to address that possibility as soon as possible. First, take an inventory of symptoms and the timeline in which they appear. Be sure to take note if there are any previous health conditions that may have contributed to the current symptoms. Try to tie in what was happening when the symptoms first occurred and what, if anything, has made them worse.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury, illness, condition, or experienced worsening of a pre-existing condition due to your employment, there are steps you can take to be compensated. If the job caused your pain, it can pay for it. Be sure to contact an experienced Sacramento workers compensation attorney to discuss your options.
Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact our work compensation attorneys for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.
Give us a call at (916) 775-8085 to speak to a work comp attorney in Sacramento now.
There was excellent communication. If I didn’t understand something, Adam explained it. I was informed of what to be expected as the case was moving along. Very satisfied with the service.
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mehlhop & Vogt. The firm knows what they are doing and gets stuff done! I always felt respected and cared for. Adam always answered my questions right away and with great detail.
I liked the way Mr. Mehlhop handled my case, he was very professional at all times. I feel like he did the best he could considering my wages.
In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were 774 deaths due to an accident on construction sites. This is more than 18 percent of all on-the-job fatalities of 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also found that 4% of construction workers are injured while they work every year. Construction is a very dangerous job due to the nature of the work as well as the tools and machinery construction workers use to complete their tasks. Dangerous electric tools and conditions paired with physically exhausting hours leads to an increased likelihood of injury. If you have been injured while working on a construction site, make sure to seek out legal representation from a Sacramento work injury lawyer immediately.
Construction accidents can result from many different causes. Fatigue can lead to forgetfulness or recklessness, and in the presence of exposed parts, heavy machinery, and other dangerous conditions, not being at peak performance can easily lead to injury. Just a moment of distraction can result in a mistake causing a serious injury. These injuries can include spinal injuries, brain damage, and burns. These severe injuries can significantly impact a person’s life and require care for decades to come. Given such vast outcomes to construction site accidents, having an experienced Sacramento work injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference in your compensation.
Despite extensive regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many potential dangers are overlooked or accepted in the name of laziness or haste to get the job done. Every company and person in the construction industry is supposed to follow OSHA regulations but, for various reasons, this often is not done. The state of California prohibits employees from suing their employers for on-the-job accidents, no matter how serious the resulting injuries. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but generally work injuries are dealt with through workers compensation claims.
This article aims to outline the most common injuries that occur on California’s construction sites and to provide some information about what can be done in the instance that a construction worker is injured on the job. Every case is different and only a Sacramento work injury lawyer can speak to your case specifically.
The most common incident that results in injuries on construction sites is a fall. Construction workers are often required to work at extreme heights, such as on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, boom lifts, etc. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that falls account for more than a third of all on-the-job deaths of construction workers.
Second to falling from a height is falling due to a slip. Construction sites are by nature unfinished areas, full of hazardous holes and obstacles. Additionally, the numerous tools that are used in projects and the organic nature of each project, limited the ability to organize these tools, results in a high propensity for slips and trips. Though it may seem silly to worry about tripping over a hammer, there is plenty to worry about regarding where the individual lands on a construction site, such as on another tool or in the way of machinery.
Construction sites use many electric tools and have unfinished and open environments. Wet conditions paired with electronic machinery can result in electrocutions. Also, many construction sites include exposed wiring, power lines, and unfinished electrical systems. As construction workers are often not specifically trained in electrical work, they may not be certain how to deal safely with such conditions. Coming into contact with any of these electrical outputs may result in electrocution or shock that can leave life-altering complications. Contact a Sacramento work injury lawyer to determine how you can seek financial compensation.
Now that we have covered the dangers of construction workers falling, another significant danger is inanimate objects falling onto construction workers. One of the most iconic aspects of a construction worker’s uniform is a hardhat – and for good reason! Debris, tools, and other materials are often on a higher level than construction workers and anything falling from above can cause serious damage. It is common for falling tools, building materials, or even structural aspects of the construction site in question to strike a worker going about his or her work.
Construction sites are filled with moving objects, such as heavy machinery, materials, and large tools. Workers can often find themselves stuck between a structural aspect of the site and a large tool or machinery if they aren’t careful. This can lead to serious injury such as broken bones, internal bleeding, brain damage, or even death.
Unfinished piping, electrical systems, and plumbing can be quite volatile. Fires and explosions are common occurrences on construction sites due to the open systems mixing together. Obvious, these incidents can lead to severe injury.
Construction jobs are very physical and the conditions often exacerbate the tiring nature of the work. Many road and home construction projects take place during working hours in the summer. This is to avoid bad weather and for the convenience of everyone working at the same time, such as clients, supervisors, and actual construction workers. Unfortunately, the extreme heat and humidity can cause workers to overexert themselves and suffer from a range of injuries, such as heat stroke.
There are many other injuries that are not listed in this article that commonly affect construction workers. While the state of California prevents those injured from suing their employers under most circumstances, the reason that employers are protected is because they provide workers compensation. Workers compensation is supposed to provide financial support to individuals hurt on the job. Be sure to contact an experienced Sacramento work injury lawyer who can represent you in dealings with your employer so you can get the compensation you need and deserve.
Due to the nature of the environment, accidents at construction sites are very common. The Law Firm of Mehlhop & Vogt has over 30 years of experience handling workers compensation claims of all sorts, including those at construction sites. If you have been injured, don’t wait to speak to a Sacramento work injury lawyer. Give us a call at (916) 775-8085 to learn what you can do about your case.
Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact our work compensation attorneys for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.
Give us a call at (916) 775-8085 to speak to a work comp attorney in Sacramento now.
There was excellent communication. If I didn’t understand something, Adam explained it. I was informed of what to be expected as the case was moving along. Very satisfied with the service.
I am very pleased with the services provided by Mehlhop & Vogt. The firm knows what they are doing and gets stuff done! I always felt respected and cared for. Adam always answered my questions right away and with great detail.
I liked the way Mr. Mehlhop handled my case, he was very professional at all times. I feel like he did the best he could considering my wages.
