Saint Clair County Law Blog

Every occupation has specific equipment that is needed to do the respective jobs safely. For some, steel-toe boots are essential, but some people falsely believe that these specialty shoes are also a liability. It is imperative that all people who work in a setting where these boots are necessary understand just how important they are and how minimal the risks are.

The television series Mythbusters did a full episode to try to prove the statement going around that steel-toe boots can actually cause amputations and that they are more unsafe than regular shoes. To be clear, the myth was busted and the episode proved that steel-toe boots help to keep workers safer.

In the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, you will likely assess yourself and the passengers in your vehicle for visible injuries and then get out to look at your car or check on the people in the other vehicle(s) involved.

Most people mistakenly believe that they will display symptoms of injuries they suffer right at the scene of the accident. If they don't have symptoms, they may simply go about their way without seeing a doctor. Whether you worry about the potential expense of the medical examination because you don't have insurance or you don't have time to stop for a medical evaluation, forgoing an exam after a crash could leave you at risk.

Of all the serious injuries you could suffer from, spinal injuries are among the worst. Spinal injuries range in severity, from causing minor discomfort to complete paralysis.

As you know, the spinal cord is how the brain sends signals throughout the body. When the signals can no longer get through to certain parts of your body, you'll suffer from paralysis. In situations where signals are limited or less frequent than normal, you may have weakness, pain or other sensations instead of full paralysis.

Employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees. While it is fairly easy to think about basic things like keeping the floors free from slip and trip hazards, there are other considerations that need to be factored into the safety plan.

The onus of workplace safety falls on the employer, but it might help to bolster the culture of safety if employees are included in the planning and execution of the protocol. With this in mind, companies might choose to implement these points.

• Provide ergonomic equipment. Even though some people may push for alternatives like yoga ball chairs, sticking with equipment that is proven safe can help to keep employees out of harm's way.
• Extend training. Companies often try to rush through an orientation without actually offering real training. Extending the training program to include lessons in safety, and possibly including mentoring, can be beneficial to everyone.
• Hold safety meet-ups. On average, a new employee remains engaged in their duties for the first six months they hold a job. Once that passes, it can behoove a company to have periodic safety meet-ups with employees. They can do this in a variety of ways, including department meetings or individual safety evaluations.
• Encourage physical activity. One workplace hazard that not everyone thinks about is the lack of movement in some jobs. Finding ways to get employees moving might include hosting walking meetings when things like whiteboards or presentations aren't needed.
• Address any safety issues immediately. It is easier for employees to see their mistakes if they are told about them immediately. Managers should offer guidance about how to correct the problem.
• Provide reminders of safety risks. Workers should be warned of the hazards of their job duties when they begin the job, but they will also likely need to be reminded periodically. Posting warnings and reminders of important points might help to prevent accidents.