<![CDATA[Workplace Injuries - Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale]]> https://www.goldsborolawyers.com/blog/categories/workplace-injuries/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:45:24 GMT en-us <![CDATA[Osha Violations and the Machine Guarding Standard]]> https://www.goldsborolawyers.com/blog/osha-violations-and-the-machine-guarding-standard/ https://www.goldsborolawyers.com/blog/osha-violations-and-the-machine-guarding-standard/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 16:41:00 GMT People in North Carolina who work on machines should be protected by certain safeguards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As safety advocates point out, moving parts on machines can cause injury or death. Typical injuries that may occur include amputations, burns, crushed hands or fingers or blindness. In fiscal year 2018, there…

]]> People in North Carolina who work on machines should be protected by certain safeguards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. As safety advocates point out, moving parts on machines can cause injury or death. Typical injuries that may occur include amputations, burns, crushed hands or fingers or blindness. In fiscal year 2018, there were 1,700 enforcement citations based on the machine guarding standard.

Injury and Fatality Examples

One notable example of a violation occurred at a pallet manufacturer in 2018. After the employee was injured, OSHA inspectors found multiple violations, including not training workers about noise hazards, not installing the necessary machine guards and allowing the accumulation of combustible dust. At another company, a fatality was caused by a replacement guard that did not have the same impact resistance as the original guard. A turning lathe hit an employee in the neck and head and killed him.

Where Accidents Occur

Companies in the services, retail trade, wholesale trade and manufacturing industries are most often cited for these types of violations. Citations are also frequent in public administration, waste management, waste remediation, accommodation and food services. Both guard devices and training are supposed to protect employees from amputation. Other types of devices can block contact with dangerous parts or stop the machine if necessary.

People who are injured on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Employees may not know their rights or might even be told by their employers that they cannot apply for compensation. They could also be concerned about retaliation if they file for compensation. However, this compensation can be important in covering medical costs and other expenses of individuals while they are recovering. An attorney can help an injured employee understand their rights and initiate any appeals if necessary.

]]> <![CDATA[10 Ways for Nurses to Avoid Injuries and Illness]]> https://www.goldsborolawyers.com/blog/10-ways-for-nurses-to-avoid-injuries-and-illness/ https://www.goldsborolawyers.com/blog/10-ways-for-nurses-to-avoid-injuries-and-illness/ Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:26:00 GMT In North Carolina and throughout the country, nurses are exposed to any number of hazards that can lead to injury or illness. With 10 steps, though, nurses can significantly reduce the risks. The first step is to be well-rested. Lack of sleep impairs attention and judgment. Second, nurses should eat well and exercise as this…

]]> In North Carolina and throughout the country, nurses are exposed to any number of hazards that can lead to injury or illness. With 10 steps, though, nurses can significantly reduce the risks. The first step is to be well-rested. Lack of sleep impairs attention and judgment. Second, nurses should eat well and exercise as this will, among other things, boost their immune system.

There are all kinds of viruses and bacterial infections like hepatitis B and diphtheria that nurses must be immunized against. Fourth, nurses are to make sure that they are particularly up-to-date on their flu vaccination. Influenza can easily spread through coughing and sneezing. The fifth step is perhaps the most basic: hand washing.

Personal protective equipment for nurses can range from gloves and eye protection to gowns and masks. Nurses should always wear this to prevent contact with patients’ bodily fluids. Seventh, it’s important handle needles safely, dispose of them correctly and never recap or needlessly use connection systems.

Rather than manually lift a patient, nurses are encouraged to use a lift and transfer device, time-consuming though this may be. Nurses should also offer assistance to co-workers or ask for it as this could prevent injuries when lifting patients or calming violent ones. Lastly, nurses can watch for slip and trip hazards and practice good body mechanics.

Nurses can still be injured whether or not they are thinking consistently about workplace safety, but under workers’ compensation law, they can receive benefits regardless of who, if anyone, was at fault for the incident. The benefits can include wage replacement and cover temporary or permanent disability. To learn more about the filing process, victims may see a lawyer for a consultation. The lawyer may even help with filing an appeal if the claim is denied.

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