While most employers must carry workers' compensation, obtaining benefits through workers' comp is not an automatic process when a worker suffers an injury. When a California worker does become injured, there are certain steps that he or she will need to complete in...
Workplace Accidents
The actions you should take after a work injury
Being injured at work can be particularly shocking because it's likely that you complete the same types of activities every day without incident. If you're injured at work, you should make sure that you put your own health needs first. If you are in any pain, seek...
Older, more established companies benefit from ignoring safety
Many business owners in California have good reason to focus on the safety of their workers. If nothing else, the fines and workers' compensation claims that they would face would take a toll on their productivity and survival. However, this concern is not shared by...
Can I sue my employer after a work injury?
If you have been injured at work, you will be wondering what further action you will be able to take. It's possible that you will be angry at your employer because you believe that their negligence caused the accident to take place. While you'll almost certainly be...
Being careful around metallic mercury
Workers in a number of different industries in California run the risk of being exposed to mercury. This metal is a liquid at room temperature, but it can become a vapor and cause serious health problems when inhaled. Even getting the liquid on one's skin is...
Tips for preventing a trench collapse
When a trench is stable, working in it feels safe and secure. This is an illusion, however. A trench can collapse and cover workers in thousands of pounds of soil and rock in mere seconds. This is very dangerous and often fatal. Workers who survive the initial...
Worker safety must trump profits
One of the reasons that workplace accidents continue to happen is that worker safety can cut into profits and productivity. For instance, it's clear that roofers are safer if they wear harnesses while they work. However, ropes and harnesses for an entire work crew...
Why are ladder accidents so common in the workplace?
Construction workers, electricians and interior decorators commonly use ladders as part of their work. While ladders are ergonomically designed and must undergo rigorous safety testing before being sold, they are unfortunately a common cause of workplace accidents....
What is horseplay in the workplace?
When at work, employees should be engaged in the task at hand and be concentrating on the work that they have to do. If an employee becomes injured while engaging in a work-related task and damages occur, they will have the right to claim workers' compensation as a...
Complications that can result after a ladder fall
Construction workers often use ladders so that they can conduct their job. Ladders can be used safely, but care must be taken to ensure that they are well-maintained, placed at the correct angle and are not subjected to weights beyond their loading limit. Different...