Bettendorf Workers' Compensation Blog

Would you recognize the symptoms of cold stress?

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Friday, December 6, 2019.

Winters in Cedar Rapids and across Iowa are freezing, dry and windy. If your job has you working outdoors, your employer has a significant responsibility to keep you safe. It is crucial for you and your co-workers to know about the dangers of cold stress and how to recognize the symptoms.

Furthermore, safety training must include the steps to take if you are experiencing cold stress symptoms. It is always a good idea to have a buddy system in place whereby pairs of workers keep an eye on each other. One of the most significant risks of working alone in the cold is the fact that you could become disoriented and unable to get yourself to safety.

Does your employer take these steps to protect your safety?

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that all employers, including those in Iowa, must establish safety plans to protect employees from work-related injuries and illnesses. Do you know your rights? Does your employer have your best interest at heart?

Your employer must perform frequent hazard assessments to identify dangers and then take steps to mitigate them. Other essential requirements include safety training and employee education. If these crucial elements are in place, you can be sure that your employer prioritizes employee safety over profits.

OSHA fines food manufacturers over $7 million. Here's why.

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

For the 12 months of October 2018 through September 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued fines totaling $7,171,513 for safety violations identified in food manufacturing facilities nationwide, including Iowa. Does that scare you? If you work in this industry, you are right to fear for your safety. OSHA says the industry strives to create safer work environments, but working in it remains a hazardous occupation.

If you knew which safety violations made the top 10 list of OSHA violations in food manufacturing, it might help you to look out for similar hazards in your workplace. Never losing sight of safety in your workplace and remaining alert might keep you out of the hospital and in the money.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in any workplace

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Construction sites seem obvious places where traumatic brain injuries can happen, but you could be at risk even if you work in an office. Auto repair shops, industrial kitchens and just about every other workplace in Iowa pose hazards that could leave you with a TBI. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and being alert and avoiding distraction will go a long way in keeping you safe.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration puts the burden of your safety on the shoulders of your employer, but most of the workplace accidents that cause traumatic brain injuries are unanticipated. Being aware of potential hazards might be your best chance of avoiding a TBI.

Medical office workers entitled to safety and health protection

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, September 5, 2019.

Workers in medical and dental offices in Bettendorf and other cities in Iowa might not be aware of all the various safety and health risks they face. Many of the hazards that workers in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities face also threaten employees in medical offices. Employers have to ensure safe work environments.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration protects you and other medical office workers by providing safety standards and guidelines. By following those, your employer can protect you from the many security and safety hazards like chemicals, drugs, bloodborne pathogens and biohazard materials in your work environment.

Your safety is on the line if you work in an auto body shop

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Friday, August 2, 2019.

Most people in Iowa know the importance of workplace safety because occupational hazards exist in all industries. Auto body shops are examples of dangerous workplaces. If you earn your income in this industry, you will face multiple safety hazards

Although most employers prioritize employee safety, this is not always the case. If safety protocols are not up to standard in your workplace, it might be sensible to gain some knowledge of potential risks that you will deal with every day.

Do you know the risks of your job in the production industry?

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, July 25, 2019.

The production industry in Iowa encompasses everything from the plastics to battery manufacturing, and each production facility has unique safety hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that employers must inform employees of all the on-the-job dangers they will encounter. Unfortunately, many business owners do not comply. Whether it is equipment-related or weather-related hazards, you might need to look out for your own safety. Manufacturing and assembling products typically involves operating production equipment that poses multiple safety hazards. Then there is the inspection of finished items and moving them to the shipping department or other locations. It makes sense to attend all safety training sessions. Even if you have heard it all, one more reminder of the hazards might keep you vigilant and safe.

Typical hazards in manufacturing plants

Accidents are not the only hazards truckers face

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Friday, July 5, 2019.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the trucking industry is responsible for more work-related fatalities than any other occupation nationwide, including Iowa. Although a significant number of deaths in this industry result from accidents, the nature of their jobs causes many occupational injuries to commercial truck drivers.

If you earn your living hauling cargo across the country, you face multiple risks of injuries that can cause lost workdays and jeopardize your financial stability. Fortunately, safety agencies like OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics gather data to identify the most common hazards and also provide tips on how to stay safe.

Never disregard the workplace hazards you face in the warehouse

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

Warehouses in Iowa are typically hives of activity with too much to do and too little time. Inadequate resources and insufficient time often lead to cutting corners and taking shortcuts. Many employers focus on profits instead of employee safety, not realizing that soundly implemented safety standards typically improve the bottom line. After all, employers are responsible for employee safety and health.

If you work in a warehouse, you will benefit from becoming familiar with all the potential hazards. That will allow you the opportunity to take the necessary precautions and return home safely at the end of each day.

You're probably at risk for workplace violence

On behalf of Tyler & Associates, PC on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Even if you do your very best to be safe at work, you could still be unknowingly at risk for a serious injury. Some risk factors are simply out of your control. Workplace violence is a real and growing threat not just to your safety, but also to the safety of all workers in Iowa.

Like most people, you might associate workplace injuries with things like falls or faulty equipment. However, any injury you suffer while on the job typically counts as a workplace injury. This includes acts of violence like assault.