Canton, Ohio, Workers' Compensation Blog

It can be very dangerous to work in some construction jobs

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in construction workers' accidents on Friday, July 3, 2020.

If you ever take a glimpse at the list of the most dangerous industries you can work in, then you're bound to see construction roles high up on it. People employed in this industry regularly work around heavy machinery, electricity and tools. These can all be dangerous if the circumstances are right.

One of the most dangerous roles in this field is duct construction and sewer work. Workers spend significant time working in confined spaces as part of this role and face two primary risks as a result of this. They are vulnerable to becoming trapped if any dirt or other debris falls on them. Construction workers also face being suffocated due to them not having proper ventilation.

How do you prove your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related?

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workers' compensation on Monday, June 22, 2020.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive stress injury that people in many different types of jobs can suffer. Working on a computer all day can cause it, but so can any type of repetitive motion that stresses the ligaments contained in the wrist, like slicing meat at a butcher counter or working on a factory assembly line. Even working with high-powered vibrating machinery can cause it.

At the very least, CTS can be painful and cause the wrist to become weak. If it's not treated early, it can cause permanent nerve and muscle damage. If dealt with in time, nonsurgical treatments may be enough to deal with it.

The hazards of working in a restaurant

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workplace injuries on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Many teens have their first experience in the workforce at a local restaurant. Restaurants are great learning grounds for dealing with customers and functioning in a hectic, high-pressure environment. While they may not pay a lot, the tips can make it worthwhile.

Restaurants also present a number of hazards. Managers need to be sure that all staff (even temporary summer workers) are trained properly to avoid these hazards. Managers and staff can and should also take steps to minimize potential dangers.

ODOT employee struck, injured by semi

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workplace injuries on Friday, June 12, 2020.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) employees who work on and along our state's roads have some of the most dangerous jobs around. That was demonstrated once again last month in Crawford County.

An ODOT employee suffered injuries when a semitruck collided with the truck she was driving on U.S. 30. The woman was towing an arrow sign east of Ohio 598 on May 27. According to a witness, the semi, which belonged to a New London farm, pushed the ODOT truck off the road. The arrow sign got stuck under the semi, which eventually stopped.

Simple steps can greatly improve workplace safety

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

When you go to work, you have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety. This means it is the responsibility of your Ohio employer to make sure you have what to need to do your job safely, whether it's providing certain types of equipment or having training available. With certain steps, it is possible to create a culture of safety in any type of workplace.

In many work accidents, injuries and suffering are preventable. Simply enforcing safety standards or taking other simple steps can significantly lower the chance of an accident. Another way your employer can make your workplace safer is to identify areas that could use improvement and listen to employees regarding their safety concerns. Improving safety at work helps the bottom line of employers and the well-being of the men and women who work for them.

Work-related lung disease caused by more than asbestos exposure

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workplace illness on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Probably the best-known work-related lung diseases are those caused by exposure to asbestos -- namely, lung cancer and asbestosis. However, many other lung conditions and diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of substances in a multitude of work environments.

People who work in factory jobs, mining, firefighting, agriculture, foundry jobs, car repair, construction and more can be exposed to particles that can damage the lungs. The smaller the particles, the more easily they can be inhaled and the more damage they can cause to the lungs. The body absorbs them rather than causing the person to cough and expel them.

How to get workers' compensation for physical therapy

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workplace injuries on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

If you've suffered a workplace injury, you may need more than medical treatment. You may need physical therapy. It may be crucial to helping you regain functionality. It can relieve debilitating pain. If you had surgery after your injury, physical therapy may be necessary for your post-operative recovery.

If you're receiving workers' compensation for your injury, you may be concerned about whether it will cover physical therapy in addition to your medical bills and lost wages. Typically, as long as the workers' comp physician who is treating you prescribes the therapy, your workers' comp benefits will cover it.

Can you get workers' compensation for skin cancer?

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workers' compensation on Monday, May 18, 2020.

People in professions where they spend long hours outdoors in the heat and sun should be given plenty of opportunities to take breaks either inside or in the shade and should have plenty of water and other hydrating beverages available. They should wear protective head coverings, clothing and sunscreen to prevent sunburn. As part of their obligation to protect their employees' health and safety, employers should these and other items to help minimize the harmful effects of the sun.

If a worker gets skin cancer as a result of their job, can they seek workers' compensation? That can be a tricky issue. While it's the most common type of cancer in our country, proving that skin cancer was caused or aggravated by a person's job can be difficult.

Violence is among the leading causes of workplace deaths

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates posted in workplace injuries on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

Did you know that the fourth leading cause of workplace-related deaths is assault? That's according to the National Safety Council. "Assault" covers not just physical assault, but all forms of workplace violence, including shootings, stabbings and arson. In 2018, nearly 21,000 injuries from workplace violence were reported. Over 450 people were killed.

Many people associate workplace violence with careers where people are dealing with the public, like health care workers and cab drivers. Indeed, their chances of suffering violence on the job are higher than those of people in many other lines of work.

Are you working in a toxic hospital environment?

On behalf of Brian, Zwick, Marchisio, Stone & Associates on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Keeping Ohio hospitals up and running involves many more people than just the doctors, nurses and other licensed medical workers. For instance, you may be one of thousands of people who work in the health care industry as a maintenance employee. Not only is pushing heavy cleaning carts around for hours on end a tiresome job, it can take a toll on your knees and back as well.

You and your fellow workers may also be at risk for personal injury on the job because of possible toxins that may affect your health. If you are on a crew that cleans hospitals, you no doubt come in contact with hazardous chemicals on a frequent basis. Your employer must provide you with all necessary information, training and equipment to help keep you safe and lower your risk for workplace injuries.