Workplace Injuries’ Category
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
Repetitive stress injuries are caused when one particular part of the body or a specific group of muscles is placed under excessive stress and strain. When a worker uses this part of the body over and over again, he's likely to suffer symptoms that range from swelling and inflammation, to chronic pain and stiffness.
One of the common repetitive stress injuries that I come across as a Cloverleaf work injury lawyer is carpal tunnel syndrome, which results from the repetitive use of the wrist muscles. These can be some of the most debilitating hand injuries.
Workers who use hand...
Two Workers Injured in Electrical Accident at Texas Biomass Power Plant
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
At least 2 workers are reported to have been seriously injured in an electrical accident at a biomass power plant in East Texas. The accident occurred at the facility operated by Minnesota-based Fagen Inc. The facility is located in Sacul, about 155 miles northeast of Houston.
According to representatives of the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department, the accident involved an electrical explosion. No further details are available. The 2 workers sustained serious injuries, and remain in a critical condition. They are likely to be soon transferred to the burn unit at the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.
There are no further details...
Workplace Injuries and Fatalities Cost More than Disease
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
This shouldn’t come as news to any Houston workplace injury lawyer. According to a new study, the economic cost of workplace injuries and deaths in the United States is much greater than the total cost for all types of cancers, and the total cost from diseases like diabetes.
The researchers gathered data from 2007 on occupational injuries and illnesses and the resulting economic costs to workers, including agricultural and self-employed workers. According to the study funded by the National Institute for Patient Safety and Health, job-related injuries and deaths in the United States account for approximately $250 billion...
Worst Workplace Fatalities of 2011
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has compiled a list of the worst workplace fatalities that Houston workplace injury lawyers came across last year. The following incidents are included in the list.
- A grain elevator explosion at the Bartlett Crane Co. in Kansas in October which killed 6 workers
- A chemical dust explosion at a Tennessee facility which killed 3 workers
- An electrocution incident at Monsanto Corporation in Illinois that killed 2 teenage workers and injured 8 others
- A manhole accident in North Carolina which killed 2 workers
- An oil rig explosion in Wyoming In August which cost three workers...
Houston Company Likely to Face More Than $1 Million in Fines after OSHA Investigation
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is likely to propose penalties of more than $1 million against a Houston-based company. The agency found numerous safety violations at the facility operated by Piping Technology.
Overall, the piping products manufacturer received a total of 30 citations for failing to protect employees in the path of dangerous machinery. According to the investigations, the company directly exposed workers who operated dangerous machinery like band saws to amputation hazards. Further, the company misled agency investigators about the use of the equipment.
The charges that Piping Technology faces are very serious. The Occupational Safety and...
One Worker Injured in Pasadena Refinery Fire
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
One worker has been confirmed injured in a refinery fire that raged through the Petrobras brass refinery in Pasadena, Texas this week. The fire broke out on December 10, and has now been extinguished.
The fire was triggered by an explosion at the Pasadena Refining System. The flames spread quickly, but firefighters were able to quickly contain the flames. There don't appear to have been any chemicals released as a result of explosion.
One worker was injured in the fire. The injuries were reported to be noncritical. The injured employee was taken to a local hospital, and treated. The company confirmed that...
Owner of Upper Big Branch Mine to Pay $209 Million in Penalties
Sunday, December 11th, 2011
The owner of the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, which was the scene of a deadly mine explosion last year, has agreed to pay more than $200 million in penalties, and to make changes to prevent accidents in the future.
Alpha Natural Resources, which bought out Massey Energy, the parent company of the mine, has agreed to pay $209 million in penalties. The fine is more than 40 times the size of any fine paid out in a coal mine explosion or disaster. The Upper Big Branch mine explosion in April 2010 was the worst mining accident in...
Industry Groups Oppose Restrictions on Worker Exposure to Carcinogens.
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is considering restricting worker exposure to crystalline silica, a known carcinogen that workers in general industry and maritime industries are frequently exposed to. However, industry groups are opposing the agency's efforts.
Over the past decade, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been trying to restrict worker exposure to the carcinogen. Crystalline silica is a common element in the earth, and workers in the construction industry, the maritime industry and general industry may be exposed to the carcinogen. This carcinogen in its respirable form is associated with silicosis, lung cancer, respiratory diseases as well...
Texas Company Cited for Violations after Worker’s Electrocution Death
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
In June, an oil rig worker performing repair work on a rig near Ozona, Texas was killed in an electrocution accident. The company that operated the rig, Ringo Drilling has now been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for several violations.
The agency has cited the company for several serious violations, including failure to provide training in avoiding electrical hazards, failure to protect workers from falls by failing to provide with guard rails, and failure to train them about the proper use of stepladders. The company has been cited for four serious violations.
The agency has also cited the...
Texas Drilling Company Cited after Fatal Lamesa Accident
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a drilling company in an accident that caused the deaths of two workers at the site. The incident occurred on June 11 at the Robinson Drilling facility.
Five employees were working on drilling operations at Truitt Woods Field, Well No. 1, Rig No. 3 near Lamesa, when a piece of equipment came apart and hit the two employees. They sustained fatal injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration began its investigation into the accident, and has cited the company for several repeat and serious violations. These violations include failure to prevent such struck-by...
