Workplace Safety Bill February 20th, 2012

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Reported By: Kevin Trager

State legislators propose a bill to help with Wyoming’s poor workforce safety record.

Gillette representative Tom Lubnau sponsors the bill, which allocates $250,000 towards safety inspections and training for the 23,000 businesses employing citizens in Wyoming.

The house minerals committee passed the bill 9-0, sending the proposal to the house for a first reading later this week.  Because of the state’s high rate of workforce fatalities, Lubnau says he expects the bill to receive a lot of support.

Workforce Services director Joan Evans says the state only has 6 contractors performing safety inspections for all Wyoming businesses.  The proposed plan would provide more resources for smaller companies needing assistance in improving workplace safety standards.

Minerals Committee Chairman Rep. Thomas Lockhart says the state needs to improve its workforce safety record.  Wyoming’s workplace fatality rate was four times higher than the national average in 2010.  Lockhart says if the bill is approved, smaller companies around the Cowboy state will receive much needed resources and training so they can cut down on these accidents.

 

Article source: http://www.kcwy13.com/news.php?id=1586

Global Medical Risks 2012: Looking Ahead

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Unions to protest cuts, Greece debates more measuresReutersGreek unions, the unemployed and communists will protest on Wednesday against spending cuts introduced to secure …

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-medical-risks-2012-looking-142300561.html

Global Medical Risks 2012: Looking Ahead

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Unions to protest cuts, Greece debates more measuresReutersGreek unions, the unemployed and communists will protest on Wednesday against spending cuts introduced to secure …

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-medical-risks-2012-looking-142300561.html

Cut deaths in workplace, union tells farmers’ leaders

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New farmworkers’ leader Cath Speight who is secretary to the rural, agricultural and allied workers’ national group of unite. Photo :Steve Adams

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:14 AM

FARMING must reduce the scourge of workplace deaths, said the country’s largest union, Unite.

It urged delegates at the NFU conference this week to put safety top of the agenda by backing moves to introduce roving safety representatives to safeguard workers. Unite said that one in five workplace deaths happen on Britain’s farms and with almost one death per week, agricultural workers are more likely to be killed at work than in any other industry.
The union, which represents large number of farmworkers, has criticised the government failure to do more to reduce the death and injury toll.
Cath Speight, national officer, said: “Unite has repeatedly called for the introduction of roving safety reps to visit farms.
“These shocking statistics are the biggest argument for that issue to be raised again.
“Other high-risk industries, particularly construction, have seen death and accident rates fall over the years.
“But this has not happened in agriculture and for many years now Britain’s farms have been the most dangerous workplaces in the land.

“It is the responsibility of the employer, the farmer, to see that all safety procedures and legislation are followed and that all employees fully understand safety instructions, including casual and migrant workers whose first language may not be English and who may have difficulty understanding what they are being told.
“If roving reps could visit and see that farmers are complying with health and safety legislation, we believe this high level of accidents and deaths would be reduced. Unionised workplaces are the safest workplaces.”
Last year, the HSE reported 34 people deaths in workplace accidents on farms – a rate of eight fatalities per 100,000 workers. The risk of death is four times higher for a farm worker than someone working on a building site.
The true situation is believed to be even worse, as the HSE estimates that only 25pc of injuries to employees in the sector are actually reported.

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Article source: http://www.eadt.co.uk/cut_deaths_in_workplace_union_tells_farmers_leaders_1_1216357

Cut deaths in workplace, union tells farmers’ leaders

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New farmworkers’ leader Cath Speight who is secretary to the rural, agricultural and allied workers’ national group of unite. Photo :Steve Adams

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 9:14 AM

FARMING must reduce the scourge of workplace deaths, said the country’s largest union, Unite.

It urged delegates at the NFU conference this week to put safety top of the agenda by backing moves to introduce roving safety representatives to safeguard workers. Unite said that one in five workplace deaths happen on Britain’s farms and with almost one death per week, agricultural workers are more likely to be killed at work than in any other industry.
The union, which represents large number of farmworkers, has criticised the government failure to do more to reduce the death and injury toll.
Cath Speight, national officer, said: “Unite has repeatedly called for the introduction of roving safety reps to visit farms.
“These shocking statistics are the biggest argument for that issue to be raised again.
“Other high-risk industries, particularly construction, have seen death and accident rates fall over the years.
“But this has not happened in agriculture and for many years now Britain’s farms have been the most dangerous workplaces in the land.

“It is the responsibility of the employer, the farmer, to see that all safety procedures and legislation are followed and that all employees fully understand safety instructions, including casual and migrant workers whose first language may not be English and who may have difficulty understanding what they are being told.
“If roving reps could visit and see that farmers are complying with health and safety legislation, we believe this high level of accidents and deaths would be reduced. Unionised workplaces are the safest workplaces.”
Last year, the HSE reported 34 people deaths in workplace accidents on farms – a rate of eight fatalities per 100,000 workers. The risk of death is four times higher for a farm worker than someone working on a building site.
The true situation is believed to be even worse, as the HSE estimates that only 25pc of injuries to employees in the sector are actually reported.

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Article source: http://www.eadt.co.uk/cut_deaths_in_workplace_union_tells_farmers_leaders_1_1216357

Fear can’t be allowed to compromise safety

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Darien FentonLabour Spokesperson22 February
2012Fear can’t be allowed to compromise
safetyStories from Ports of Tauranga workers alleging
under-reporting of workplace accidents due to fears about
job security are a serious concern, says Labour’s
spokesperson for Labour Darien Fenton.“The increasing
casualisation of work in New Zealand is undermining health
and safety efforts,” Darien Fenton said.“Casual
workers are often scared that reporting accidents or safety
concerns will not find favour with their employer, and they
will be punished with fewer hours of work.“That is
simply unacceptable. All workers should be able to speak up
about safety concerns and report accidents. If this
doesn’t happen, the changes necessary to improve safety
and reduce our workplace death and injury toll won’t
happen,” Darien Fenton said.“Safety in New
Zealand’s workplaces is already a serious issue, with 41
Kiwis dying at work last year and a further 6000 seriously
injured. In addition, thousands of workers die from
occupational disease. New Zealand’s death and injury toll
at work is four times greater than comparable countries such
as the United Kingdom.

“We are seeing an increasing
trend towards contracting out and casualisation of good
jobs, and the National Government’s planned changes to
Employment Relations legislation this year, including the
weakening of collective bargaining rights, will exacerbate
the problem,” Darien Fenton said.“It is no use making
a lot of noise about safety, or devising ‘tick the box’
health and safety exercises to try to stem our awful health
and safety record, when the connection between safety at
work and the diminishing confidence of workers to speak out
at work seems to be completely lost on this
Government.”ENDS

Article source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1202/S00256/fear-cant-be-allowed-to-compromise-safety.htm

Car Crash Pain Chiropractor Explains The Top Five Most Costly Mistakes People Make After An Automobile Accident

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Stormy weather accounts for many traffic accidents and car crash pain doctor says victims should not minimize injuries or expect that insurance companies are on their side(PRWEB) February 22, 2012 Inclement weather currently accounts for 24 percent of all automobile accidents in Utah. Recently the Utah Highway Patrol reported 376 crashes during the biggest storm of the season in five northern Utah counties alone. On average, Utah has 141 motor vehicle crashes each day, according to state officials.
And with automobile accidents on the rise during the winter season, officials at Car Crash Pain say accident victims need to be aware of their rights to avoid some very costly mistakes.
Car Crash Pain recently released the top five most expensive mistakes individuals make after being in a car accident which include:
1.)    Ignoring or minimizing injuries.
According to officials at Car Crash Pain, it can take several months for injuries to become fully evident; don’t delay on getting medical treatment. People often think their injuries are minor enough that they will heal on their own, without the help of a doctor. Pain that lasts more than three months has a 90 percent chance of becoming permanent. There is no effective treatment for chronic pain symptoms once they develop.
Car Crash Pain officials said delayed treatment can result in more serious health issues in the future such as chronic headaches, neck and back pain, fatigue, arthritis and disc disease. Fifty percent of all chronic neck pain sufferers attribute their pain to a car accident.
2.)    Believing that the car insurance company is on your side.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the car insurance company is looking out for your best interests,” said Dr. Dan LaFontaine at Car Crash Pain. “Their goal is to get you to settle your accident claim as quickly as possible, with the lowest possible settlement. Insurance companies are part of a multi-trillion dollar industry with a business model based on collecting the most in premiums, while paying the least in benefits.”
In Utah automobile insurance includes at least $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Under PIP your medical costs will be paid without regard to “fault,” or legal liability. Your insurance rates can’t legally go up if you use PIP, LaFontaine said.
3.)    Accepting a settlement without fully understanding your rights.
Negotiating an insurance settlement after a car crash can be an extremely complex process.
“There’s a lot more to it than just getting your car fixed. Without professional legal guidance, you could be placed at a huge disadvantage by not utilizing the full range of services needed for recovery,” said LaFontaine. “Insurance companies have lawyers that fight the general public for them; accident victims are wise to do the same. The sooner you have an attorney on your side the higher the success rate.”
Some of the costs individuals might not consider include things like alternate transportation, financial loss from being out of work for injuries sustained and proving who’s at fault in the accident, he added.
4.)    Choosing the wrong auto body repair shop.
Repair estimates can vary from as much as $500 to $2,000 for the same work. LaFontaine said that some common myths are that you need to select the lowest bid, get estimates from at least three different companies, or go with the auto body shop the insurance company selects. You have the right to choose who fixes your vehicle.
5.)    Becoming overwhelmed by paperwork and deadlines.
Automobile accidents come with a flood of paperwork that needs to be completed in a timely manner. This can include everything from police reports and insurance forms to medical documentation. If forms are not filled out on time, you could miss out on a full range of benefits and end up having to pick up the costs on your own.
By releasing this information Car Crash Pain hopes to utilize their experience with health, legal, auto and insurance companies to reduce the expenses drivers incur after an accident, according to LaFontaine.
About Car Crash Pain
CarCrashPain.com helps accident victims through the recovery process by providing health, legal, auto and insurance information all in one convenient location. Becoming a member of the network is free and offers a host of complimentary benefits including access to car rentals, paperwork assistance and a step-by-step car crash checklist. Car Crash Pain directs individuals to the most experienced professionals to solve all of their accident needs.
###
Dan LaFontaineCar Crash Pain801-221-2999Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-crash-pain-chiropractor-explains-top-five-most-080818104.html

Car Crash Pain Chiropractor Explains The Top Five Most Costly Mistakes People Make After An Automobile Accident

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Stormy weather accounts for many traffic accidents and car crash pain doctor says victims should not minimize injuries or expect that insurance companies are on their side(PRWEB) February 22, 2012 Inclement weather currently accounts for 24 percent of all automobile accidents in Utah. Recently the Utah Highway Patrol reported 376 crashes during the biggest storm of the season in five northern Utah counties alone. On average, Utah has 141 motor vehicle crashes each day, according to state officials.
And with automobile accidents on the rise during the winter season, officials at Car Crash Pain say accident victims need to be aware of their rights to avoid some very costly mistakes.
Car Crash Pain recently released the top five most expensive mistakes individuals make after being in a car accident which include:
1.)    Ignoring or minimizing injuries.
According to officials at Car Crash Pain, it can take several months for injuries to become fully evident; don’t delay on getting medical treatment. People often think their injuries are minor enough that they will heal on their own, without the help of a doctor. Pain that lasts more than three months has a 90 percent chance of becoming permanent. There is no effective treatment for chronic pain symptoms once they develop.
Car Crash Pain officials said delayed treatment can result in more serious health issues in the future such as chronic headaches, neck and back pain, fatigue, arthritis and disc disease. Fifty percent of all chronic neck pain sufferers attribute their pain to a car accident.
2.)    Believing that the car insurance company is on your side.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the car insurance company is looking out for your best interests,” said Dr. Dan LaFontaine at Car Crash Pain. “Their goal is to get you to settle your accident claim as quickly as possible, with the lowest possible settlement. Insurance companies are part of a multi-trillion dollar industry with a business model based on collecting the most in premiums, while paying the least in benefits.”
In Utah automobile insurance includes at least $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Under PIP your medical costs will be paid without regard to “fault,” or legal liability. Your insurance rates can’t legally go up if you use PIP, LaFontaine said.
3.)    Accepting a settlement without fully understanding your rights.
Negotiating an insurance settlement after a car crash can be an extremely complex process.
“There’s a lot more to it than just getting your car fixed. Without professional legal guidance, you could be placed at a huge disadvantage by not utilizing the full range of services needed for recovery,” said LaFontaine. “Insurance companies have lawyers that fight the general public for them; accident victims are wise to do the same. The sooner you have an attorney on your side the higher the success rate.”
Some of the costs individuals might not consider include things like alternate transportation, financial loss from being out of work for injuries sustained and proving who’s at fault in the accident, he added.
4.)    Choosing the wrong auto body repair shop.
Repair estimates can vary from as much as $500 to $2,000 for the same work. LaFontaine said that some common myths are that you need to select the lowest bid, get estimates from at least three different companies, or go with the auto body shop the insurance company selects. You have the right to choose who fixes your vehicle.
5.)    Becoming overwhelmed by paperwork and deadlines.
Automobile accidents come with a flood of paperwork that needs to be completed in a timely manner. This can include everything from police reports and insurance forms to medical documentation. If forms are not filled out on time, you could miss out on a full range of benefits and end up having to pick up the costs on your own.
By releasing this information Car Crash Pain hopes to utilize their experience with health, legal, auto and insurance companies to reduce the expenses drivers incur after an accident, according to LaFontaine.
About Car Crash Pain
CarCrashPain.com helps accident victims through the recovery process by providing health, legal, auto and insurance information all in one convenient location. Becoming a member of the network is free and offers a host of complimentary benefits including access to car rentals, paperwork assistance and a step-by-step car crash checklist. Car Crash Pain directs individuals to the most experienced professionals to solve all of their accident needs.
###
Dan LaFontaineCar Crash Pain801-221-2999Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/car-crash-pain-chiropractor-explains-top-five-most-080818104.html

Sugarland respond to negligence suit, claim stage collapse was an accident

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Sugarland’s legal team responded to a negligence lawsuit filed against the band, which claimed it was partly responsible for the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair last year, and it denies the band has any responsibility for the faulty construction of the stage. The civil lawsuit was filed in November on behalf of 51 people connected to the incident and accused the band, concert promoters and the company responsible for building the stage, of failing to monitor the weather and for failing to build a safe stage. The suit is seeking unspecified damages. The stage collapse occurred on August 13 and killed seven people and injured 58 before the band’s show at the Indiana State Fair. Strong winds estimated at between 60 and 70 mph toppled rigging for lighting and equipment over the stage at the fair as fans were waiting for Sugarland to perform. The band’s legal response filed on February 16, according to the Indiana news station WRTV, denied the negligence was on their part stating that they had nothing to do with the construction of the stage and it was not built solely for the band’s performance and the the incident was a “true accident.” “The incident at issue in this litigation resulted from a gust of wind of unprecedented intensity, which caused a structure that may have been improperly designed, maintained andor inspected to fail,” their response states, according to the news outlet. “As such, this was a true accident or Act of God.” The response also claims, “Some or all of the plaintiffs failed to exercise due care for their own safety.” It also states, “some or all of the plaintiffs knowingly and voluntarily assumed andor incurred the risk of injury to themselves.” Sugarland manager Gail Gellman issued a statement to The Associated Press on February 21, after the attorney’s response was filed saying, “Sadly when a tragedy occurs, people want to point fingers and try to sensationalize the disaster. The single most important thing to Sugarland are their fans.” “Their support and love over the past nine years has been unmatched,” the statement continued. “For anyone to think otherwise is completely devastating to them.” Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush performed a free concert in Indianapolis in October in honor of the seven fans who died. See video of the stage collapse below.

Article source: http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Sugarland-respond-to-negligence-suit--claim-stage-collapse-was-an-accident/8552238&rss=rss-wabc-ent_story-8552238

Sugarland respond to negligence suit, claim stage collapse was an accident

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Sugarland’s legal team responded to a negligence lawsuit filed against the band, which claimed it was partly responsible for the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair last year, and it denies the band has any responsibility for the faulty construction of the stage. The civil lawsuit was filed in November on behalf of 51 people connected to the incident and accused the band, concert promoters and the company responsible for building the stage, of failing to monitor the weather and for failing to build a safe stage. The suit is seeking unspecified damages. The stage collapse occurred on August 13 and killed seven people and injured 58 before the band’s show at the Indiana State Fair. Strong winds estimated at between 60 and 70 mph toppled rigging for lighting and equipment over the stage at the fair as fans were waiting for Sugarland to perform. The band’s legal response filed on February 16, according to the Indiana news station WRTV, denied the negligence was on their part stating that they had nothing to do with the construction of the stage and it was not built solely for the band’s performance and the the incident was a “true accident.” “The incident at issue in this litigation resulted from a gust of wind of unprecedented intensity, which caused a structure that may have been improperly designed, maintained andor inspected to fail,” their response states, according to the news outlet. “As such, this was a true accident or Act of God.” The response also claims, “Some or all of the plaintiffs failed to exercise due care for their own safety.” It also states, “some or all of the plaintiffs knowingly and voluntarily assumed andor incurred the risk of injury to themselves.” Sugarland manager Gail Gellman issued a statement to The Associated Press on February 21, after the attorney’s response was filed saying, “Sadly when a tragedy occurs, people want to point fingers and try to sensationalize the disaster. The single most important thing to Sugarland are their fans.” “Their support and love over the past nine years has been unmatched,” the statement continued. “For anyone to think otherwise is completely devastating to them.” Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush performed a free concert in Indianapolis in October in honor of the seven fans who died. See video of the stage collapse below.

Article source: http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Sugarland-respond-to-negligence-suit--claim-stage-collapse-was-an-accident/8552238&rss=rss-wabc-ent_story-8552238