West Virginia study looks at workers’ comp claims for carpal tunnel
- A permanent disability caused by a work-related injury can increase the risk of other serious health disorders and even premature death.
- A team led by researchers from West Virginia University looked at workers’ compensation claims for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The team previously conducted a similar study involving low back pain. The two conditions are the most common conditions causing disabilities in people on workers’ comp, according to a WVU press release.
- In both studies, the risk of early death for the workers who were disabled because of their injury was 40% higher compared with those who weren’t disabled.
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Chemical burns and close-call accidents at Las Vegas tunnel system
- Workers at the Boring Company have dealt with chemical burns and close-call accidents during the construction of the Las Vegas tunnel system, according to a report by Bloomberg.
- They also experienced 12-hour shifts, including lunch, in the tunnels, which could reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the report said.
- The tunnels in Las Vegas, a 1.7-mile loop that connects the Las Vegas Conventions Center, were first opened to the public in 2021, but Elon Musk’s tunneling company has been working to expand it to connect to Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Some workers said they had to wade through about two feet of mud that included chemicals that can cause burns. Some staff were left scarred as a result, according to an investigation by OSHA.
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New York town reaches historic agreement with construction projects
- Legislation was adopted at the Town of Brookhaven (N.Y.) Town Board meeting that requires all workers to have an OSHA 30 certification at job sites over 35,000 sq/ft., and also that there be a Site Safety Supervisor at job sites over 75,000 sq/ft., to further ensure accountability and increased safety standards on complex construction projects.
- The law will require permit holders for large construction sites to ensure that their general contractors and subcontractors have a trained workforce, and that proof of each worker’s OSHA 30 certification will be documented and available upon the Town’s request.
- Failure to comply with the law can result in fines of $1,000 and up to $10,000 for each day violations are found.
- Qualified third-party safety persons or entities that can provide certifications are permitted to be used to confirm compliance with the requirements.
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