Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APCLaw Office of Howard J. Stevens, APC2024-03-13T09:08:18Zhttps://www.workpains.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1603142/2021/11/cropped-Howard-J-Stevens-fav-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477572024-03-08T10:08:34Z2024-03-13T09:08:18ZRequest ergonomic accommodations
Office ergonomics have a major impact on someone's physical well-being at work. Chairs without lumbar support or desks at the wrong height and put a lot of strain on someone's fine and back. Seeking proper ergonomics accommodations from an employer can take the risk out of spending the entire day at a desk.
Move carefully through the office space
Slips and trips that lead to falls are a top cause of workplace safety issues for those in offices. Falls can occur in any setting. Office workers who wear dress shoes may not have very good traction as they move through the office and could be particularly susceptible to slips and trips as a result. Carefully paying attention to one surroundings to spot tripping or slipping hazards and avoiding dangerous rushing can reduce an office employee's risk of a slip-and-fall injury.
Rest and stretch
Taking a break occasionally can limit the physical strain that office environments place on workers' bodies. Standing up from a desk, stretching one's back and resting hands and forearms can help people avoid repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by consistent overuse of body parts.
Employees also need to recognize when they show warning signs of injuries so that they can communicate with their employers. Workers' compensation benefits usually cover treatment expenses and replace lost wages if workers require a leave of absence while recovering from injuries related to office work.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477542024-03-07T04:50:23Z2024-03-13T03:49:49ZIf you suffered an injury at work, it’s very important to seek proper medical attention. Even if you don’t think that the injury is serious, it could be worse than you realize. This means it’s usually best to talk to medical professionals and have them give you an accurate diagnosis.
For example, you may think that you have a minor brain injury, such as a concussion. This will usually heal with time, and many people will feel better the next day – or at least after a week. All brain injuries are serious, but concussions are considered relatively mild.However, what if the injury was actually serious enough to cause a brain hemorrhage? This means that there is bleeding within the brain tissue or the surrounding tissues, which can put pressure on the brain and cut off oxygen flow.
The symptoms may be similar
Part of the problem is that you may have very similar symptoms in either case. A concussion can lead to nausea, headaches, fatigue and mental confusion. So can a brain hemorrhage. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on the symptoms to see if they are getting more severe. If it seems like they’re getting worse over time, rather than healing and decreasing in severity, then it is certainly time to talk to a licensed medical professional.That being said, if your injury happened at work, it may cause you to lose wages and the medical treatment you need may be expensive. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights to workers’ comp benefits. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477532024-02-23T04:59:01Z2024-02-29T04:58:48ZIf you are injured at work or contract an illness due to your work duties, you need to report the case to your employer. It's vital to be careful about how you report the matter.
Here is what to know:
Report as soon as possible
Timing is crucial when it comes to reporting a work injury or illness. Consider notifying your employer of the injury immediately, if possible, before leaving the office. In the case of an illness or an injury that developed gradually, notify your employer as soon as you learn or believe your job caused it.In California, you may lose your right to receive workers' compensation benefits if you fail to report an injury within 30 days.
Provide an in-depth report
When informing your employer about your injury or illness, you need to be detailed. Tell them about:
The date or time of the accident/event or when you noticed the first symptoms of the illness
The location of the accident
The nature of your injury/illness
Witnesses present at the accident site
The description of the accident
Your employer will forward these details to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), commonly known as Cal/OSHA.
Why should you report an injury/illness sooner?
Besides protecting your rights to receive workers' compensation benefits, reporting an injury or illness sooner allows you to get medical attention. Not receiving treatment on time can worsen your condition.If you need emergency treatment, you can report the case to your employer afterward. Ensure you inform the healthcare provider that your injury is work-related.A work-related injury or illness can significantly affect your ability to meet your needs. That's why you need to understand your options and rights.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477502024-02-07T05:24:45Z2024-02-13T05:24:06Zmore job injury risk than almost any other private sector employees. A significant amount of workplace safety risk comes directly from the need to provide care for patients.
Why patient care is so dangerous
When looking at an analysis of hospital worker injuries, the top job safety concern is over-exertion or bodily reaction. Someone trying to lift a patient could throw out their back or injure their knee while doing so. Average patient weights trending upward in recent years have certainly contributed to the risk hospital workers face of over-exertion. So does the need to move quickly in an emergency. Rushing to care for someone in an emergency could lead to a slip and fall, which is one of the top workplace safety concerns for those in medicine.
Additionally, hospital workers may come into contact with dangerous equipment or substances. Providing hands-on care might mean an accidental needle stick or contact with a scalpel. Artificial external defibrillation devices could also cause serious injury to a hospital worker. Finally, patient violence is also a safety concern for those working in the medical profession.
Any of these safety issues could result in someone being unable to work for some time and left in need of treatment. Understanding the risks inherent in providing patient care may help medical workers feel more comfortable with filing a claim for workers' compensation coverage.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477482024-01-29T08:39:13Z2024-02-02T02:07:14Zemployees who use ladders frequently, you need to take great care. An accident could result in weeks off work or even death.
Ladder safety tips
The following can help you stay safe:
Don’t be afraid to say no: If you dislike heights, feel unwell or are unhappy about going up the ladder for any reason, say no. Often, there are other ways to reach the height needed or others who feel confident about the task.
Check the ladder: A ladder that is rarely used may be in poor condition. If you note signs of damage or weakness, ask your employer to replace it first. They have a duty to keep workers safe.
Check the placement: Ensure the surfaces the ladder stands on and rests against will not give way or cause the ladder to slip. Check there are no power cables in the way and check nothing or no one could bump into the ladder.
Do not overextend the ladder or yourself: Respect the maximum limits of the ladder and remember that reaching out too far or standing too high could put you and the ladder off balance and lead to a fall.
If you fall from a ladder, do not underestimate your injuries. Some damage may not become apparent till later. Get medical attention to assess the situation, then learn how to claim workers’ compensation, if needed.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477472024-01-11T06:03:18Z2024-01-17T06:02:57ZSchool teachers do much to help shape the future of American children, but what about childcare workers? Dedicated individuals like you also play a critical role in preparing our youth for adulthood.
You may be willing to sacrifice a substantial part of your life helping children thrive and build confidence, but you face on-the-job injury risks like the ones below. Fortunately, a workers’ compensation claim can help reduce financial hardships in the aftermath of a workplace injury.
Back and spine injuries
A typical childcare workday involves bending, lifting, reaching and carrying children and heavy items. This constant strain can lead to sometimes debilitating back problems, such as strains or sprains and herniated discs.
Exposure to illness hazards
Children are germ magnets, exposing childcare workers to many illnesses, including influenza and gastrointestinal infections. They may also face exposure to hazardous substances, such as cleaning products and pesticides.
Falling risks
Debris and spills on the floor can cause childcare workers to trip, slip and fall. Three other fall dangers include icy or snowy outdoor conditions, frayed or torn carpeting indoors and unsafe or cluttered stairways.
Ergonomic problems
Repetitive tasks like changing diapers and feeding children can lead to ergonomic problems (carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries, etc.). They require medical care and rest to prevent permanent damage.
Even minor injuries can have lasting effects
Some of these injuries may seem minor but can cause lasting problems if not treated properly. For example, unaddressed back pain can get worse over time and make it difficult to work.Childcare employees are generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits like medical care and wage replacement in California. As you may imagine, these benefits can help to ensure your injuries heal rather than worsen. A legal representative may help you prepare your claim without error or undue delays.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477462024-01-09T07:03:16Z2024-01-13T07:03:02ZSome pre-existing conditions may qualify for coverage
Any medical condition that directly relates to someone's job could potentially be eligible for workers' compensation coverage. A worker must establish a clear connection between their employment and their health challenges to successfully pursue a benefits claim.
If someone has a pre-existing condition, there are a couple of kinds of evidence that could help them obtain workers' compensation coverage. The first involves documentation of their prior diagnosis and possibly records of the treatment they received. Proof that they had reduced or eliminated their symptoms could help them strengthen their claim that their current job worsened their pre-existing condition.
The second form of evidence the worker may require relates to their job responsibilities. Typically, there needs to be a clear connection between their work functions and their worsening condition. Someone with carpal tunnel syndrome who starts a job working in a warehouse, driving a commercial truck or working in an office might experience a flare-up of their symptoms that could affect their overall health and their job performance.
The more proof there is that their job functions relate to their symptoms, the easier it will be to establish a causative relationship. In some cases, workers may need to undergo a specialized medical evaluation to validate their claim that their job contributed to their worsening symptoms. Those who understand the rules for workers' compensation may have an easier time recognizing when they have grounds to file a claim. They may also feel more confident when fighting back against an unfair benefits denial.
Connecting a worsening pre-existing condition to someone's job activities, and seeking legal guidance accordingly, could help them obtain workers' compensation coverage for future treatment and necessary leave from work.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477442023-12-28T08:32:25Z2024-01-02T08:31:56Zcarpal tunnel syndrome.
This medical condition can significantly impact their ability to perform their duties efficiently and to enjoy their lives outside of work. Knowing how carpal tunnel can develop is important if you’re a nurse, as it can help you to minimize your risk of developing this condition. This knowledge can also be crucial if you need to seek workers’ compensation for your injuries.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
This unique syndrome is a condition that arises from the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist. This compression can result in numbness, pain and tingling in the hand and fingers. Understanding the potential causes of this condition and preventive measures is crucial for nurses who rely heavily on manual dexterity.
Factors contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome
Nurses often perform repetitive tasks, such as administering medications, taking vital signs and assisting patients with mobility. These repetitive motions can strain the hands and wrists and contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The work environment of healthcare providers also plays a significant role in the health of nurses. Poor ergonomics, such as improper workstation setup and uncomfortable seating, can exacerbate the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Addressing these issues is essential in promoting a healthier workplace for nurses.
For example, nurses are increasingly using computers for documentation and communication. Unfortunately, prolonged hours of typing and mouse usage can contribute to the strain on the hands and wrists, making nurses susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. Implementing regular breaks and ergonomic accessories can mitigate these risks.
The demanding nature of nursing can predispose individuals to carpal tunnel syndrome. By familiarizing yourself with the contributing factors and implementing proactive measures, you can more effectively safeguard their hand and wrist health. However, if you’ve already developed carpal tunnel syndrome, you might want to pursue workers’ compensation for your injuries, as this effort can help to facilitate recovery and management of lingering symptoms.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477422023-12-14T07:24:36Z2023-12-20T07:23:42Ztwo main types of systems that may be in place to prevent falls on a work site. It’s important for workers to understand how they work and how they differ.
Fall prevention
A fall prevention system stops a fall from happening. An example could be a tether that keeps a roofer from being able to approach the edge of the roof. Another example is a railing on a scaffold system that makes it impossible for a worker to fall over the side. With the understanding that falls could lead to severe injuries, a prevention system seeks to minimize the risk that a fall happens in the first place.
Fall arrest
In some situations, a fall cannot be prevented. This is when a fall arrest system may be used. The system will catch the worker before they suffer serious injuries. An example of this is if a roofer uses a rope and safety harness. They could slip and fall while putting up shingles, but the rope will catch them before they fall over the edge, preventing significant injuries.
Unfortunately, workers can still be injured even when safety systems are in place. Some of them may have been given the wrong safety gear, inadequate training or safety systems that were set up incorrectly. But even when workers don’t make any mistakes, accidents may happen. When they do, workers’ compensation benefits are available to all eligible employees, regardless of how many hours per week they work and (almost always) without regard to what caused their harm.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Howard J. Stevens, APChttps://www.workpains.com/?p=477412023-11-29T07:59:38Z2023-12-05T07:59:01ZWorkers who get hurt on the job may qualify for certain benefits. The California workers' compensation system helps support injured employees by providing no-cost medical coverage and even disability benefits.
Workers may receive wage replacement benefits until they can return to work. Often, a worker who is still struggling with ongoing symptoms will question the decision to have them return to their job. Who ultimately has control over when a worker returns to their employment?
Multiple parties have input in such decisions
Employers might theoretically rush someone back to work to minimize the costs related to their claim. Resuming the same work could potentially worsen someone's condition. Therefore, other parties also play a role in decisions about getting an injured employee back on the job. The physician who oversees someone's care significantly influences decisions about someone's work abilities. They determine how likely someone is to recover and what impact their return to work may have on their symptoms. The claims administrator may review the situation to decide if a decision is appropriate. Employers can also play a role in the decision. If they are able to accommodate a worker with functional limitations, they may be able to adjust someone's job based on medical recommendations to get them back to work as quickly as possible. The injured worker and the attorney representing them can also influence the outcome of this process.Occasionally, when there are disagreements about a worker's support needs and ability to return to their job, a thorough evaluation may be necessary. That evaluation can help validate claims of ongoing symptoms and determine what accommodations that worker requires. Understanding who influences the outcome of a workers' compensation claim may help an employee better advocate for themselves during their recovery.]]>