Tag Archives: Injury

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

BE SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THE DANGERS OF THE HIGH LIFE (GUEST POST)

Reducing the dangers of the high life 

The risks of working at heights are obvious with potential for accidents whilst climbing to and dismounting from the raised point and while carrying out the work once there. In legal terms the word ‘height’ is applied to any surface above the ground from which a fall could result in injury. This could equally be the middle rung of a ladder or a raised operations platform. When it comes to this type of hazardous work, there are certain legal requirements which must be met by the employer. Here we will look at some of the key rules set out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005 pertaining to access and platform safety and safeguard mechanisms for arresting falls (Schedules 1, 3 and 4 of the government legislation) 

While most employers will search for alternative ways to complete work at raised points, such as using mechanical long arms for window and gutter cleaning, it is more often necessary for a hands-on approach to ensure the task is done correctly. The most important areas where safety must be assured are the access points and the working platforms, both of which will be upholding an operator who will be in varying degrees of motion, depending on the task. Therefore, the principal regulations for both sections are the same. The access route and platform must be suitably stable, strong and rigid for the purpose and large enough to hold the person safely upon it. There must be substantial fall-prevention mechanisms in place and no gaps through which any person may fall or become trapped. They must also both be constructed with a non-slippery surface. 

In the event of a fall, certain safeguards can be in place to prevent injury. However, the safeguard must enable the work to be carried out freely without adding to the risk, for example with excess ropes dangling or creating a trip-hazard. If it is indeed ropes which are in use, then training is obligatory for all operators, such as the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualification for abseiling. Rope-based safeguarding techniques must also take into account the elasticity of the rope on impact, meaning a much shorter rope than the actual drop distance. If it is an airbag or landing mat being used then this must be secure and stable upon the ground. The safeguard must also be such that it does not injure any person when put to use. 

These regulations are just a few of those which apply to all work carried out at height. Jobs which must abide by these rules include telecommunications rigging, window cleaning, film crews, building, scaffolding and cladding construction. It is legally the employer’s responsibility to ensure their workforce’s safety at all times, but designers and planners must also consider the risks when a new project is being developed. Risk assessments are then used to decide the type of precautions to be put in place so that with sufficient planning and preparation, work carried out at heights can be both safe and productive. 

This article was written by Emily Banham on behalf of Groves Window Cleaning, established in 1985, has over 25 year’s experience of commercial window cleaning. More information on Working At Heights can be found on the following link – http://www.groveswindowcleaning.co.uk/working-at-heights.html.

 

General Safety Issues

5 Amusement Park Tragedies

When you go to an amusement park you expect a day of rides, games, and fun—you do not expect to be injured, or worse, killed. Nothing can make you more wary about getting onto a ride than knowing that people do get seriously injured. Sometimes it is due to breaking of rules such as entering a restricted area, others it is the fault of the ride operator, and then there are the times when it is a ride malfunction that results in tragedy.

GUEST BLOG

This is the second article sent to us by Emily Kreifels, of the law firm of Console Hollawell, in New Jersey.  When we take family or friends to amusement parks, we anticipate having fun, but accidents can happen.  We know you will be interested in reading about five such tragedies.  Attorney, Richard Console is the author of this article, as well as the first one we published about toy recalls.  Please remember their website: http://www.consoleandhollawell.com/

amusement-park-accident-300x200When you go to an amusement park you expect a day of rides, games, and fun—you do not expect to be injured, or worse, killed. Nothing can make you more wary about getting onto a ride than knowing that people do get seriously injured. Sometimes it is due to breaking of rules such as entering a restricted area, others it is the fault of the ride operator, and then there are the times when it is a ride malfunction that results in tragedy.

There are some theme park accidents we will never forget. Here are some of the most notorious and memorable amusement park tragedies that have happened in this country.

Batman-Six-Flags-over-GeorgiaPhoto credit: WikiMedia.

Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, GA

We have all seen the signs that hang on the fences surrounding amusement park attractions. They are there for a reason, and going beyond the signs could mean tragedy as it did for one teen at the Six Flags Over Georgia park. The teenager had just come off of the “Batman” ride when he made the decision to hop two fences, which said the area was restricted, along with one of his friends in order to retrieve the hat he lost during the ride. While in the restricted area the ride came past, decapitating the teen. The friend and individuals on the ride were not injured. The ride was said to have been going full speed at 50 miles per hour when it stuck the teen.

Six-Flags-Kentucky-Kingdom

Photo credit: rollercoasterpro.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY

It was supposed to be a day of fun when 14-year-old Kaitlyn Lasitter and her friends visited Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in June 2007, but it ended in tragedy. The girls decided to ride the “Superman Tower of Power” attraction, and since there were no lines the girls decided to ride a second time. When the ride began the second time, Lasitter reported that the ride jolted, then she and her friends started to get hit with falling cables all over their bodies. The teen realized when they were finally on the ground that the cables had severed both of her feet. Doctors were able to reattach only the right foot. The family sued the park and they reached a settlement outside of court for an undisclosed amount.

Darien-Lake-Ride-of-Steel

Photo credit: WBTA1490.

Darien Lake Amusement Park, Darien, NY

Sgt. James Hackemer died when he fell out of the “Ride of Steel” at Darien Lake Amusement Park in July 2011. The Iraqi war veteran lost both of his legs in a roadside bombing while he was serving our country. Hackemer’s nephew, who attended the park with him, reported to the New York Post that he remembers his uncle asking the park staff which rides were okay for him to go on and they told them he was fine to go on them all. The “Ride of Steel,” a rollercoaster that is 208 feet high and reaches speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour, only offers a lap belt and bar to hold its guests in. The Sgt., having no legs and in turn no lap, should not have been allowed on the ride as it could not properly secure him. The victim fell out of the car on the first turn after the highest drop on the ride.

Disney-monorail

Photo credit: NTSB.

Disney World, Orlando, FL

One of the perks to staying in the Disney World park is that the monorail can transport you all over the park. In 2009, two monorail trains crashed, which caused the death of Austin Wuennenberg, 21, who was operating one of the trains. The crash was reported to have been a result of a beam not fully transferring over, causing the two trains to be on the same track. The park was fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the amount was undisclosed. Since the crash that caused $24,000,000 in damages, Disney has implemented new safety procedures that require monorail operators to carefully and diligently watch a beam change to try and avoid another crash.

Big-Thunder-Mountain-Train

Photo credit: Kevdo.

Disneyland, Anaheim, CA

Marcelo Torres, 22, was killed while riding the “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” attraction in 2003. A locomotive separated from the track in a tunnel section of the ride, which injured several other guests in addition to killing Torres. He suffered blunt force trauma to the chest and bled out. The family settled out of court with the park for an undisclosed amount, but they did donate a large sum of money to a California college to set up a scholarship fund in their son’s name—he was a graphic designer.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of an amusement park accident contact a skilled personal injury attorney to get the compensation you deserve.  This information was furnished by http://www.consoleandhollawell.com/; we appreciate their sharing things that could happen when we are out for a fun day.

General Safety Issues

“HAZING” IS A CRUEL WORD

It seems the only time the word “hazing” is brought to our attention is when something horrible happens to a young person bent on joining some type of organization.  Just recently, the death of a Florida A&M drum major has been ruled a homicide, as reported by the state medical examiner’s office.  The young man had bruises to his chest, arms, shoulder, and back, as well as internal bleeding, which caused him to go into shock, which killed him.  The hazing occurred on the band bus, where he was found unresponsive, according to witnesses. 

Over the past several years, hazing cases have emerged.  A spot in the marching band is coveted and many bands are as revered as much as the sports team.  In 1998, a clarinet player from Ocala, Florida, said he was paddled around 300 times, sending him to the hospital and leaving him physically and emotionally scarred.   In 2001, a MU band member suffered kidney damage because of being beaten with a paddle.  In 2008, according to an AP release, two first-year French horn players in Southern University’s marching band had to be hospitalized after a beating.  In 2009, 20 members of Jackson State University’s band were suspended after being accused of hazing.  Now, Florida A&M is going to be taking steps to ensure that they can create a safe environment for the entire school community and that this will never happen again at FAMU.  One of the most important things for parents is the assurance that their children are going to be safe when they join a high school or college group.  Years ago, we were initiated when we entered high school as freshmen.  We had to wear silly things, or sing to a football hero, etc., but there was never the violence that is associated with hazing, as it seems to be now, in many cases.  We aren’t saying it happens in all groups, but there should be rules established to prevent injury or possible death to new members.

According to StopHazing.org, there are three types of hazing: Subtle Hazing; Harrassment Hazing; and Violent Hazing.  Here’s an explanation of each type.  See if any of them are familiar to you or someone you know: 

Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new and other members of the group or team.  Subtle is termed as such because this type is often taken-for-granted or accepted as harmless.  Some examples of this type of hazing are:

  • Deception.
  • Demerits.
  • Requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to others.
  • Socially isolating new members.
  • Silence periods with implied threats for violation.
  • Line-ups and drills on meaningless information.
  • Name calling.
  • Requiring new members to refer to other members with titles, while they are identified with demeaning terms.
  • Expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession.

Harassment Hazing:  Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group.  It confuses, frustrates and causes undue stress for new membership.  Here are some examples:

  • Threats or implied threats.
  • Verbal abuse
  • Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire.
  • Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts.
  • New members being told to perform personal service to other members.
  • Sleep deprivation.
  • Sexual stimulation.
  • Depriving new members of bodily cleanliness.
  • Be expected to harass others.

Violent Hazing:  Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.  Some examples:

  • Forced or coerced drug or alcohol consumption.
  • Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault.
  • Branding.
  • Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions.
  • Burning.
  • Water intoxication.
  • Expecting new members to abuse or mistreat animals.
  • Public nudity.
  • Bondage.
  • Requiring illegal activity.
  • Exposure to cold weather or extreme heat without appropriate protection.
  • Abductions or kidnaps. 

The problem of hazing is very complex, with no “easy answers.”  Every individual has an important role to play in helping to solve the problem of hazing.  We all must build awareness and develop intervention strategies to eliminate harmful hazing.  There’s no group worth being in to go through this type of humiliation and possible injury.  Hazing extends far beyond college fraternities and sororities, school groups, athletic teams, bands, and the military.  The activities of these groups should concur with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.   Educational institutions owe it to their students to ensure their safety.

General Safety Issues

NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK

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Led by Canada’s Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) this campaign was first launched in June of 1997, when an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico was reached, with the goal to promote workplace safety within the boundaries of the three nations.  Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week had been being observed for ten years prior to the beginning of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.  The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with the CSSE in 2002, to promote public awareness of occupational safety, health, and the environment during this important week.  Other groups that are partners in this NAOSH Week are the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Threads of Life, OSHA, Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP), and partners in Mexico.  Threads of Life is a national registered charity dedicated to supporting families along their journey of healing who have suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering illness or occupational disease.  Their mission is to help families heal through a community of support and to promote the elimination of life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses, and death. 

This years NAOSH theme is “Celebrating a Century of Safety.”  The ASSE is not only celebrating their 100th anniversary, but it is also the 100th anniversary of one of the most terrible workplace disasters in United States history – the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.  In 1911, 146 men and women died in the Asch building in New York City.  When a fire began on one of the top floors of this building, workers rushed to escape; however, the doors were locked.  There were no fire sprinklers, even though the fire sprinkler head was patented in 1872.  There were no fire safety or prevention products or programs at the factory.  Because the fire escape had melted and broken off, the elevator operator tried to save as many people as he could, but as the fire spread, many jumped to their deaths to the street below.  Some even jumped into the elevator shaft.  Fire department ladders couldn’t reach the top floors of the building.  Soon after this disaster, public outrage led to a wave of new worker protection rules and regulations.  The ASSE was founded in New York City, and many said it was the beginning of our modern safety movement.  Since that time, ASSE and its’ more than 33,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members continue to work in all industries and their communities to ensure that another Triangle Factory fire never occurs again. 

NAOSH sponsors activities to support work safety and educate the public worldwide by members and organizations.  Events such as panel discussions on the history of safety, preventing distracted driving, recognizing winners from around the world of the kids’  “safety-on-the-job” poster contest, are just some of the tools that are used to enhance workplace safety worldwide.  The AOHP, a national association that represents thousands of healthcare workers whose vision is to be the defining resource and leading advocate for occupational health and safety in healthcare, states that NAOSH week “not only helps us keep our workers safe and contributes positively to a business’ bottom line, but makes sure there are smiles at the end of the day when that worker returns home safe and sound to their family.” 

Too many persons are dying from on-the-job injuries.  These organizations and others are working to help prevent injuries and illnesses  in industries worldwide.  Members of the groups have distributed catastrophe preparedness information, free teen worker safety and preventing roadway crash brochures, developed teen worker safety courses, helped Habitat for Humanity, held personal protective equipment (PPE) fashion shows, donated PPE and much more.  

NAOSH Week is observed the first full week of May each year.  On the Wednesday of NAOSH Week, Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day has been observed since 2007.  The American Society of Safety Engineers and Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, along with other members from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico encourages employers, employees, and the public to realize the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.  We salute all those who work diligently to educate and promote safety in the workplace. 

Sources: Worksite News (Canada), American Society of Safety Engineers,  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues

STAY OUT OF ABANDONED MINES!

 

“Stay Out–Stay Alive” is a national public awareness campaign designed to warn children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites.
Every year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents on mine property. MSHA launched “Stay Out–Stay Alive” in 1999 to educate the public about the existing hazards. The campaign is a partnership of more than 70 federal and state agencies, private organizations, businesses and individuals.

 

            SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO DID NOT HEED THE WARNINGS:

         1-2008:  Nineteen-year old Arizona man died after falling into 35’ abandoned mineshaft.

         2-2008:  Twenty-year old man died when he came in contact with a high voltage transformer in a fenced-in area of an active mine in Pennsylvania.

        5-2008:  Three men in their twenties died from lack of oxygen when exploring an abandoned mine in California.

        5-2008:  Eighteen-year old boy drowned in off-limits, privately owned quarry.  Gates were locked and signs warning trespassers were all around.

NEAR MISSES:

        A twenty-three year old Pennsylvania man survived a 500’ fall into an abandoned strip mine.  While trespassing, he fell into a 700’ deep, 3,000’ long, and 1,500’ wide mine; rescuers spent hours on a dangerous rescue.  He faces charges of defiant trespass.

        Two twenty-one year old men escaped serious injury in a car crash in Wisconsin.  No seatbelts were used.  This happened in a rock quarry near an active mine. 

Throughout the year, “Stay Out–Stay Alive” partners visit schools, communities and youth organizations around the country to educate children about the importance of steering clear of abandoned mines.

These are not places to be explored.  I there are warning signs – take heed!

General Safety Issues

ENSURING THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS ABOUT SAFETY!

Safety Meetings and Safety Training are conducted to keep you safe while you earn your pay.  But what if these meetings were presented in a language that you didn’t know?  America has always been known as a Melting Pot, with immigrant workers coming from all over the world.  Many of them are from disadvantaged countries, and work in seasonal jobs such as agriculture.  Others work in construction, mining, and industries with high mortality rates.  Some are machine operators, assemblers, cleaners, and helpers.  Limited English proficiency may be a direct contributor to workplace injuries or fatalities.
OSHA has a history of requiring employers to train their employees in a manner that they understand.  If they don’t speak English, then preparation for their job tasks, as well as safety and health training, is to be conveyed in the language that they understand.  If the employee’s vocabulary is limited, training must account for that limitation.  Simply telling them to read training materials will not satisfy the employer’s obligation.  OSHA also requires employers to verify that employees have acquired the knowledge and skills for which they have been trained; i.e., lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
Having worked for an oilfield construction company in West Texas several years ago, I know there were many of our employees that didn’t understand or speak English, and were dependent on their Spanish-speaking supervisors to instruct them.  They worked hard for minimum wage, and did a good job.  But there were injuries, as well.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shares these examples of how they are working to improve problems that immigrant workers face:
§ The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program identifies and studies work-related injury deaths, with the goal of identifying effective prevention measures.
§ Through on-site investigations, NIOSH and cooperating states collect detailed circumstances for select incident types, including deaths of Hispanic workers since 2002.
§ Targeted research programs focused on the construction and agricultural sectors, both of which employ a disproportionate share of immigrant workers.
§ An occupational health disparities program, which is conducting research on the causes and prevention of occupational health disparities including those experienced by immigrant workers.
§ A Spanish language website and translation of several NIOSH publications into Spanish.
§ An innovative information and communication effort with the Spanish-language television network Telemundo and other partners, in which construction safety messages were incorporated dramatically into a widely watched prime-time series, and supplemented with a public service announcement and a special website.
Companies and their supervisors are responsible for the safety of all workers, must understand the hazards of their job, as well as the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment, and how to take care of it.  If employees see a co-worker that is at risk, regardless of a language barrier, or any other reason, they need to reach out and help.  That way, everyone stays safe!
Sources:
OSHA
NIOSH
Safety Meetings and Safety Training are conducted to keep you safe while you earn your pay.  But what if these meetings were presented in a language that you didn’t know?  America has always been known as a Melting Pot, with immigrant workers coming from all over the world.  Many of them are from disadvantaged countries, and work in seasonal jobs such as agriculture.  Others work in construction, mining, and industries with high mortality rates.  Some are machine operators, assemblers, cleaners, and helpers.  Limited English proficiency may be a direct contributor to workplace injuries or fatalities.
OSHA has a history of requiring employers to train their employees in a manner that they understand.  If they don’t speak English, then preparation for their job tasks, as well as safety and health training, is to be conveyed in the language that they understand.  If the employee’s vocabulary is limited, training must account for that limitation.  Simply telling them to read training materials will not satisfy the employer’s obligation.  OSHA also requires employers to verify that employees have acquired the knowledge and skills for which they have been trained; i.e., lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
Having worked for an oilfield construction company in West Texas several years ago, I know there were many of our employees that didn’t understand or speak English, and were dependent on their Spanish-speaking supervisors to instruct them.  They worked hard for minimum wage, and did a good job.  But there were injuries, as well.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shares these examples of how they are working to improve problems that immigrant workers face:
  • The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program identifies and studies work-related injury deaths, with the goal of identifying effective prevention measures.
  • Through on-site investigations, NIOSH and cooperating states collect detailed circumstances for select incident types, including deaths of Hispanic workers since 2002.
  • Targeted research programs focused on the construction and agricultural sectors, both of which employ a disproportionate share of immigrant workers.
  • An occupational health disparities program, which is conducting research on the causes and prevention of occupational health disparities including those experienced by immigrant workers.
  • A Spanish language website and translation of several NIOSH publications into Spanish.
  • An innovative information and communication effort with the Spanish-language television network Telemundo and other partners, in which construction safety messages were incorporated dramatically into a widely watched prime-time series, and supplemented with a public service announcement and a special website.
Companies and their supervisors are responsible for the safety of all workers, must understand the hazards of their job, as well as the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment, and how to take care of it.  If employees see a co-worker that is at risk, regardless of a language barrier, or any other reason, they need to reach out and help.  That way, everyone stays safe!
Sources:
OSHA
NIOSH
Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

HOW TO PREVENT WORKPLACE INJURIES

April is designated as Injury Prevention Month.  However, every month should carry the same theme.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), in 2008, 5,071 Americans lost their lives as a result of workplace accidents.  This was down from 5,657 in 2007, but only because of the slowing economy.  About 3.6 million Americans suffer serious work-related injuries annually.

Because of the recent devastating coal mine explosion in West Virginia, we are reminded of how dangerous this industry is.  The BLS states that these employees are more likely to be hurt, suffer illness, or be killed than workers in private industries.  Coal mining companies should ensure the safety of their workers through many means, such as proper ventilation, firefighting equipment, air monitor systems, safe places they can escape to, etc.  It is suspected that many violations will be discovered once a Federal investigation is complete, as that particular mine had been issued over 100 citations, just this year.

Every company owes it to each and every employee to be assured that their safety is the Number One Priority.  Next, each employee should do all they can to ensure their safety and that of their fellow workers.  Here are some suggestions for workers’ security:

  • Heavy machinery/equipment operators know how their machines perform better than anyone, so their supervisors should work with them daily to ensure the machinery is checked often, and running safely at all times.
  • Workers should have an active role in company safety programs, by submitting safety suggestions, serving on safety committees, and participating in safety training.
  • Slippery floors, loose carpet, or other hazardous conditions should be reported to supervisors and taken care of as soon as possible.
  • First Aid training is a must.  There should be first aid kits in designated work areas, along with employees who know how to administer basic first aid in case of an accident.
  • Eyewash stations should be available and kept in clean, working condition.
  • Wearing the proper personal protective equipment as required is extremely important.  PPE is designed to protect specific parts of the body that are exposed to hazards.  It should fit properly and be worn at all times while working.  Employees should know how to care for their PPE and ask for its replacement when needed.
  • Companies should warn employees against improper behavior, such as horseplay.  Persons who like to play pranks on their co-workers may be endangering them.  Work environments should be pleasant, but not to the degree of being reckless.
  • Lifting objects that are too heavy is another source of injury.  If this is the case, lifting aids should be used in order to prevent back injury.

It’s hard to find many types of work that don’t carry a chance of injury.  From Anthropologists  to Zoo Keeper, all occupations present some sort of danger.  The best lesson for each individual is to be aware of the risks involved in their occupation and stay alert in order to remain safe each day.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS

Studies show that most employees that have been injured on the job want to go back to work as soon as they possibly can, following their recovery.  Businesses, large and small, should have Return to Work policies in place and be sure that all employees understand them.

Employers should consistently demonstrate concern for their welfare and treat all employees the same.  At the time an employee seeks medical attention, the physician should give him/her a prognosis as to when they can regain their full time employment.  Companies may set a limit on transitional periods, i.e., 90 days, that the employee can perform lighter duties in order to resume some type of work plan.

There are also studies that show the following:

  • The longer an employee stays off work, the less likely they are to return.
  • It is to the benefit of the employer to prevent replacing the worker, by offering transitional work to the injured worker, in order to avoid a possible lawsuit, and face increased workers compensation costs.
  • It is better to accommodate the person with on-the-job light duties than for them to work from home with restrictions.
  • Companies with good return to work programs reduce lost workdays and have employees that want to return to work.
  • Those employees who miss 6 months’ work are 50% more likely to not return.
  • One-fourth of employees who miss 1 year of work will probably not return.
  • If they are off 2 years or more, there is little chance of their return.

Companies that have disability programs that enable their employees to fulfill some form of duties prove to the employee that they are reliable and capable, and an asset to the employer, letting them know that their expertise makes them valuable employees.  This also enables employees be self-sufficient.

“Early” Return to Work Programs decrease temporary total disability payments, as employees that are back on the job are earning wages again.  The American Medical Association encourages their members to release employees to work as soon as they are medically able.  It is proven that employees heal more rapidly and their treatment time is reduced, if the doctor releases them as soon as possible.  This early return to work plan also serves as a cost reduction on Workers Compensation premium rates for the employer, and in certain cases, reduces legal costs.

Everyone needs to be on an even playing field in all walks of life.  Employers that treat their employees fairly when they have been injured on the job are rewarded by employees that want to get back to their job and will do a good job for them.  Successful safety programs and practices reduce injuries, making everyone happier, both the employer and employee!