An employee of an artificial flavors plant in California was awarded $2.6 million in a claim against the manufacturers of hazardous chemicals that he was exposed to over a period of almost 10 years. Manufacturers are required to provide adequate warning about the dangers posed by its products. In turn, employers should protect the workers against contracting an occupational illness by providing protective equipment.
Industrial accident causes severe burn injuries to worker
Welders in California are likely be aware of the potential dangers posed by their occupation. Their jobs often require them to work with, or be in the presence of, tanks containing pressurized oxygen. Under certain conditions, oxygen tanks can explode, resulting in life-changing injuries or worse. One such industrial accident that severely injured a worker is being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in another state.
California hospital to fix problems causing workers' injuries
The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compared the numbers of back and musculoskeletal injuries reported by several industries. It was determined that the highest number of injuries was suffered by nursing assistants and hospital orderlies. Prior to 2012, injured hospital workers enjoyed very little protection against workers' injuries. On Jan. 1 of that year, the Hospital Patient and Health Care Worker Injury Protection Act became effective in California and included a requirement for hospitals to take measures to prevent staff from suffering injuries while lifting patients.
Workplace injury from excessive vibration may cause amputation
California workers may be exposed to some risks that are not as obvious as others. The potential workplace injury hazards of most industries are commonly associated with scaffold collapses, forklift accidents, electrical shocks and other obvious sources. However, the dangers of exposure to excessive vibration are seldom recognized.
