Work-related Fatalities Declined in 2011

Finally some good news from The Bureau of Labor Statistics-- There was a decline in worker-related fatal accidents in the American job force comparing the years 2011 and 2010.  In 2010, 4,690 workers lost their lives due to various accidents and incidents.  In 2011, the number was 4,609.  But even one death is one too many, particularly because we know that most of these incidents are preventable, assuming the employers are motivated to spend the time and money to prevent them.

One question that occurred to me is why the drop in number?  I wonder if it's because of the high unemployment rate, i.e., when there's less people working, there are less work injuries.

2 Injured At Explosion at Sam Adams Brewery

Two workers at a Sam Adams Brewery in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, had minor injuries when an explosion occurred at the brewery.  Over 100 employees were evacuated.  You can see the whole article here from Channel 69 News.

For some reason, the firefighters and first responders to the scene refused to leave until they tested all of the merchandise to make sure it wasn't damaged in the fire.*


*I made that last part up.  ;)

Walmart Strikes Seem to Be Spreading

It seems that the initial Walmart strike that was reported on this blog last week is spreading to other stores.  From TheRawStory.com:

The strikes on Tuesday were just the second time in more than a half century that Walmart workers walked off the job at multiple stores, and comes on the heels of strikes at nine Walmart stores in Los Angeles. Those followed a 21-day action put on by Chicago-area Walmart warehouse workers, whose strike recently ended after their employer agreed to a major settlement over allegations of wage theft. 

In the wake of these two strikes and the ripple-effect being felt across the company, it suddenly looks like a whole new ballgame for organized labor. 

One of the problems striking workers cite is the lack of access to full-time working hours, which prevents them from obtaining even the meager health benefits the company offers. The National Consumer’s League (NCL) told Raw Story that Walmart’s refusal to provide those benefits by exploiting part-time labor leads to a number of spillover costs that taxpayers ultimately pick up. 

“Many Walmart workers are dependent on public assistance programs due to their low wages and not having access to full time jobs and being denied benefits because they’re not working the number of hours required to get access to those benefits, or the benefits are just so expensive that on their low wages they just can’t afford them,” NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg said in an exclusive interview. “Walmart has a record of even working with employees to sign them up for public assistance programs, which we think is really atrocious.”

At Long Last...An Honest to God Walmart STRIKE!

From HuffingtonPost.com:

For the first time in Walmart's 50-year history, workers at multiple stores have gone on strike, even though their jobs are not protected by a labor union. 

More than 70 Los Angeles Walmart workers from nine stores walked off the job Thursday, Allison Mannos, of labor advocacy organization the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, told The Huffington Post. 

Workers and supporters protested outside the Pico Rivera Walmart store, carrying signs that read, "On Strike for the Freedom to Speak Out" and "Walmart Strike Against Retaliation." The workers said their complaints about working conditions and low pay have been met with threats, suspensions and terminations. 

The strikers said they plan to return to work Friday. Some of the workers will speak at LA City Hall Friday to relay Walmart's response to the strike. The strike was coordinated by OUR Walmart, a labor group backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) that defends Walmart workers' rights.

15 Common Mistakes That Will Sink Your Pennsylvania Work Comp Claim

After more than 17 years of helping victims of workplace injuries collect workers' compensation benefits, I have seen claimants make serious mistakes that hurt their claim and made it more difficult for them to collect full payment.  To help you avoid these mistakes, I have categorized the 15 most common mistakes and present them to you.  I am confident that after reading this article, you will have a better chance of collecting full payment for your workman's compensation claim.

1. Failure to Report the Accident to Your Employer.

Pennsylvania law requires that a claim be reported to your employer within 120 days from the date of the injury.  The best practice is to report an incident immediately, even if you don't go to the hospital right away.  The best way to report an injury is to talk to you supervisor and make sure a report about the discussion is made.

2. Failure to File a Claim Petition within the 3 year statue of limitations period.

Reporting an injury to your employer is merely a first step.  If you are owed benefits and your employer or its insurance company refuses to pay for your medical bills or wage loss, Pennsylvania law requires that a claim be filed with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation 3 years from the date of the accident. If you wait to contact a lawyer and file a claim beyond the 3 years, you might be precluded from receiving the benefits you deserve.

3. Failure to Inform the Doctor of the Details of Your Accident.

If your medical records do not reflect the fact that you have been in an accident, your claim may be suspect. Insurance companies use any excuse they can find to deny your claim. The absence of any information in your medical records about your accident may give them the excuse they want

4. Failure to Keep a Job Search Log.

The worker has the burden of proving that they are unable to work as a result of a workers' compensation injury or occupational disease. One of the best ways to prove that you cannot work is to show that you have honestly tried to work but were unable to find and maintain a job.

5. Failure to Fully Inform Your Lawyer of All Facts.

Workers' compensation cases are difficult enough to handle successfully, even when a lawyer has all the facts. If you do not fully inform your lawyer concerning all facts, the good, the bad and the ugly, you severely handicap your lawyer's ability to win the case for you. Many facts which you may feel to be adverse can be successfully handled. Do not short change yourself by keeping your lawyer in the dark.

6. Failure to Fully Cooperate with All Vocational Rehabilitation Efforts.

The point at which the insurance company hires a vocational rehabilitation specialist to actively become involved in trying to find a job for you is probably the most critical point in the claims process. You should not attempt to deal with the rehabilitation process without the assistance of an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Vocational rehabilitation counselors, in the vast majority of cases, are not on your side. It is their job to terminate your benefits, either by your becoming employed or by taking advantage of your failure to cooperate, thereby have your benefits terminated. It is in your best interests to return to work at suitable employment. You should, therefore, fully cooperate with all reasonable vocational rehabilitation efforts.

7. Failure to Accept Suitable Employment.

It is in your best interest to accept suitable employment whether at your prior job or at a new job that may be presented to you. The law does not (and should not) allow a worker to collect workers' compensation benefits if they can work. On the other hand, you are not required to accept any job that your employer or their vocational rehabilitation worker finds for you. The work must be "suitable" to you based upon your physical limitations, age, education, training, and experience. It is important to work closely with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to help you determine whether any job offered to you is suitable

8. Failure to Anticipate That You Will Be Followed and Videotaped.

It is a mistake to assume that you will not be followed and videotaped by private investigators. Insurance companies would rather pay money to private investigators and lawyers than pay it to you. You should assume that a private investigator will be watching your every move outside of your home. In some cases, they even look inside your home.

9. Working outside Restrictions When You Return to Work.

If a doctor allows you to return to work but conditions your return to work on certain restrictions such as not lifting above a certain weight, or raising your arms above your head, you should follow these restrictions explicitly. When you return to work, there is a temptation to follow your supervisor's instructions even if those instructions would have you working in excess of the limitations your doctor imposes upon you. This is a serious mistake. Carry the doctor's written restrictions with you when you return to work and, if your supervisor tries to coerce you into working outside of those restrictions, give another copy of those restrictions to your immediate supervisor and politely tell that supervisor that your doctor will not allow you to work outside those restrictions

10. Settling Your Claim without the Benefit of an Experienced Workers' Compensation Lawyer.

It is a serious mistake to assume that your employer and its insurance company will treat you fairly. You should understand that in the vast majority of the cases, they will take advantage of you if you let them. The professionals who work for your employer and the insurance company know workers' compensation law inside out. They are looking after themselves, not you. Always seek the advice of an experienced workers' compensation lawyer before you sign any agreements.

11. To Assume That Nurse Case Managers Are Your Friend.

Nurse Case Managers are working for your employer and the insurance company. They are not working for you.  They should not be allowed to talk to your doctors nor be present during examinations.  They will do everything in their power to attempt to get you back to work, whether you are physically ready to return to work or not.

12. Allowing the Employer to "Doctor Shop".

If your employer accepts your claim and agrees to pay, they do have a right to direct your medical care for the first 90 days, assuming they have posted a list of various doctors at your place of employment.  You can choose whom you wish to treat from this list.  If you treat outside of that list, then you run of risk of the employer not paying for your medical care.  However, there are things the employer must do before they can enforce this rule.  If there is no list then you can treat with whoever you want.  Further, iff you weren't provided with a copy of that list when you were hired AND right after your injury, then you can choose whoever you want.  However, once your medical providers have been established, they cannot switch you to another doctor without your permission. Insurance companies like to have you seen by doctors who they can count on to "sing their song". Do not allow them to do this. If your employer or its insurance carrier attempts to switch you to another doctor, consult an experienced workers' compensation lawyer immediately.

13. Failure to Consider a Second Opinion.

The law allows an injured worker to obtain a second opinion if the worker is not satisfied with the opinion of the doctor concerning the nature and extent of your disability. You should consider asking for a second opinion. However, it is not always wise to ask for a second opinion. This decision is case specific. You should consult with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to help you decide whether you should ask for a second opinion.

14. Assuming That the Compensation Rate Set by the Employer is Correct.

Most of the benefits you are entitled to receive from your workers' compensation claim are based upon your average weekly wage. The average weekly wage includes the gross amount of your pay before any deductions. Average weekly wage may also be increased because of certain allowances your employer may provide such as a housing allowance. Do not be short changed by settling for an incorrect compensation rate.

15. Failure to Seek Medical Care.

Many injured workers, especially males, try to "shake it off" after they are injured at work and fail to seek appropriate medical attention. It is not unusual for a person to have significant injuries without realizing it. If an injured worker waits several days or weeks before seeking medical attention, the claim is suspect. This delay in treatment gives the employer still another excuse to deny the claim.