Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries year round, and in winter the dangers increase. Icy sidewalks, frost-heaved walk surfaces, wet entryways, and dark stairwells all contribute to potential STFs. Property owners and employers can both be held liable for injuries that occur on the premises or while working, especially…
Nearly 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the most recent year reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another 4,836 workplace incidents resulted in a fatality in the same year. That’s approximately 3 out of every 100 full-time employees who were harmed on the job. Obviously, none of us wants to put even one…
When it comes to construction and maintenance, “confined space” doesn’t just mean any small room. The phrase has a specific meaning as defined by OSHA, and it pays to only hire contractors with the proper training to manage their work safely in confined spaces. OSHA defines a confined space as a work area that is:…
Earlier this year, a utility worker in Key Largo removed a manhole cover and descended into a 15-foot drainage hole to perform maintenance work. As he neared the bottom, he was overcome by gas and passed out. A second worker entered the hole behind him in a rescue attempt, and likewise collapsed. Before the ordeal…
In the wake of a disaster, the priority on everyone’s mind is getting back to normal as quickly as possible. For catastrophe response contractors, this means their primary focus is on getting their clients back in business and their buildings back to standard occupancy. Unfortunately, the understandable focus on speed can be disastrous when hidden…
