If asked to identify the most dangerous industries in the U.S., most American's would include the oil and gas industry. That reaction is supported by a recent analysis by E&E News which found the oil and gas industry held the highest rates of severe injury in the nation. According to the analysis, the definition of a severe injury is one causing hospitalization or loss of a body part.
What if your pain is delayed following an accident?
When you suffer a work accident, such as a fall from a ladder or traffic collision, you may feel pain immediately. In some cases however, the onset of pain can be delayed. This is particularly true in cases involving traffic accidents.
Outdoor workers at risk for cold stress injuries
Now that winter is here, workers who labor outside need to take special precautions to avoid frostbite, hypothermia, and other "cold stress" injuries. Those workers most at risk include construction workers, sanitation workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and tow truck drivers. But remember that in severely cold weather even a few minutes spent outside could result in serious and potentially disabling injuries.
Working outdoors poses special injury challenges
Many people, choosing careers, opt against indoor work, cooped up in a factory or office. The outdoors calls to them, and they spend their working lives far from a cubicle.
Life after the loss of a limb
The loss of a limb can have devastating physical, financial and psychological effects. But life goes on after the loss of a leg, arm or hand. What's it like to lose a limb? What challenges do amputees face and how do they cope? Does everyone who loses a limb experience "phantom pain"?
Construction worker settled for $3.8M in lift collapse
Workers can't sue their employers. But third parties are fair game.
Steps to coping with a new disability
Workplace accidents will often result in temporary or permanent disabilities. Whether your disability will only last a few months or if it is indefinite, a sudden disability is life altering. Taking a trip to the grocery store or making a meal might now become an overwhelming task. You will probably feel shock, fear, and anger at having this sudden life change. It's important to know that it is normal to feel this way and there are steps you can take to cope with these new changes.
Can my employer make me return to work if I am still in pain?
Not all injuries are as obvious to the outside world as broken bones and stitches. Injuries can still linger even if they do not look painful on the outside. While an injured employee is at home recovering they can receive workers' compensation benefits. While in recovery employees often feel pressured by their employer to get back to work as soon as possible. Sometimes the pain can be too much or even dangerous to endure. Here's what injured people should know about returning to work after an accident.
Lack of training can lead to major machinery accidents
Manufacturing is a dangerous industry to work in. Accidents will happen in the workplace no matter what, but a lack of training can make an incident much worse. Workers who operate machinery on a daily basis know how important training can be. An improperly trained worker not only puts himself in danger but the people around him. For example if someone does not know how to drive a forklift then they could endanger everyone around them by accidentally dropping heavy crates or tipping the machine.