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A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is done to determine a person’s capacity for work. It is a series of different tests that include analyzing the patient’s ability to bend, hold, lift, push, pull, stand, walk, and reach. The individual’s flexibility and balance are also tested.
In Illinois, extreme temperatures have a big impact on health risks and injuries for outdoor workers. A Chicago work injury lawyer often handles workers’ compensation claims for heat and cold-related injuries for outdoor workers.
In 2015 BLS study, approximately 2.9 million nonfatal injuries were reported by private employers. Recent data shows that the overall rate of workplace injuries stands at 117 injuries in 10,000 workers. Unfortunately, most workers’ compensation claims in Illinois end up being denied by claim administrators and insurance providers.
Trench collapses claimed 26 lives in 2016. This was more than the number of workers who died in 2014 and 2015 combined. Even at shallow depths of 4 to 5 feet, trench collapses can be particularly lethal as they can bury workers in mud, rock, and water making it impossible for them to breathe or extract themselves.
Potential changes to workers’ compensation laws could negatively impact employees. A change in Illinois is facing a vote in the state Senate and House. Other states have already enacted severe cuts that leave injured workers with large medical bills.
Despite improved safety precautions, workplace injuries are on the rise, costing companies billions of dollars in workers’ compensation each year and putting thousands of employees out of work, many for extended periods of time.
According to the American Cancer Society, diesel exhaust is linked to many lung cancer deaths in the U.S. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal states that approximately 12 million workers are exposed to diesel exhaust every year. Workers employed in auto, construction, mining, farming and shipping industries have the heaviest exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.
A worker gets injured and files a workers compensation claim. They then go to the doctor for treatment and are prescribed painkillers to help with the healing process. However, rather than simply prescribing the necessary amount of medication, they sell them more than they need.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration has issued new rules that will limit workers permissible exposure to silica dust to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air inhaled during a typical 8-hour shift. Crystalline silica dust presents a serious health risk to miners, industrial workers, and construction professionals who handle the material on a regular basis.
After an accident, some companies may be reluctant to report violations or take responsibility. All severe work-related injuries must be reported within 24 hours to OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A workplace fatality must be reported within eight hours. Over 10,000 severe injuries were reported nationwide in 2015.
