As unemployment rises, work-related death declines

Posted on August 20th, 2010 No Comments

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the unemployment rate has increased in the U.S., work-related deaths have decreased.  In 2009, work-related deaths were the lowest they have been since 1992 at 4,340.  This is a 17 percent drop from 2008.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics goes on to state that while work-related injuries and deaths have decreased, the total number of hours worked in the country also decreased, by 6 percent.

As construction spending in the U.S. dropped by 15 percent, fatal work injuries in the construction industry dropped by 16 percent.  Transportation saw the highest number of fatal work injuries at 1,682.  37 out of 50 states saw declines in overall work-related fatalities.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, contact the New Jersey workplace injury lawyers of Levinson & Axelrod P.A. at 1-888-389-COMP to learn more about your rights.

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OSHA not banning dangerous pipe cleaning process yet

Posted on August 13th, 2010 No Comments

Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced their plans to fine the three construction companies and fourteen contractors working for the Kleen Energy Systems when the construction power plant in Middleton, Connecticut exploded in February 16.6 million dollars- the third largest amount in history for a single event.

OSHA also continued on to announced that they will not be banning the dangerous pipe cleaning process that caused the fatal plant blast.  The Kleen Engery Systems plant exploded during a routine supply pipe cleaning using flammable natural gas.  The workplace accident killed six workers and injured fifty.  Instead, OSHA says they will issue a letter of warning to the power industry about the inherent danger in using the “gas blow” cleaning practice.

OSHA officials say that they are not currently able to ban the practice until they study it further.  David Michaels, OSHA administrator, stated, “We would love to be able to ban it, but we can’t”.

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New Vermont Law Toughens Workers’ Compensation Compliance

Posted on July 2nd, 2010 No Comments

WCAX reports that “A new law stiffens penalties for businesses who don’t carry [workers' compensation] insurance, or who misclassify workers.”

This is part of a Vermont Department of Labor effort to make sure companies not only have workers’ compensation insurance, but are carrying the right kind as well.

“The state labor commissioner, Patricia Moulton Powden, says the law is targeted toward businesses that try to lower costs by classifying employees as independent contractors,” writes WCAX.

Powden says that having the right insurance is a smart choice. An employer could stand to lose everything in a civil law suit if he does not carry workers’ compensation insurance.

According to WCAX, noncompliance among businesses will result in a high fine and inability to bid on any state contract for three years.

If you or someone you know has been injured in the workplace, call the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers at 1-800-34-NJ-LAW to help you collect on your Workers’ Compensation benefits.

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OSHA Considering Criminal Punishment for Construction Accidents

Posted on July 2nd, 2010 No Comments

Assistant Secretary of Labor Dr. David Michaels is suggesting criminal penalties for companies whose negligence has caused construction accidents. He says that the monetary penalties just aren’t doing the job.

He says that jail time would send a wake-up call to these risk-taking employers. Michaels was speaking at a “Safety 2010″ convention in Baltimore for construction safety experts. There, he lamented the greedy employers who consider the death of a worker just the price of business.

OSHA reports that over 5,000 workers die in construction accidents every year in the United States. Michaels quoted Mother Jones by saying, “Mourn for the dead, but fight like hell for the living.”

Construction accidents can seriously injure you. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in a construction accident and need to collect your workers’ compensation, call the dependable New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., at 1-800-34-NJ-LAW.

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