Personal Injury Law Blogs

5 Accidents To Watch Out For In The Construction Field

Over 25 percent of all job related fatalities occur within the context of a construction environment, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety statistics. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also recognized that 90 percent of construction injuries and fatalities fall under several categories.

1. Falls. Approximately 33 percent of all major work accidents involve falls. Since construction jobs often involve working on tall building structures, heavy machinery, rooftops and scaffolding – workers are more vulnerable to incurring serious injuries and death from falling.

2. Equipment and machinery injuries are very common on a construction site. Working with machinery is dangerous no matter where it’s done. However, it is even more dangerous on a construction site, due to the presence of so many other hazards.

For this work, the law requires that protection is always in place, for example, that sufficient guardrails and safety nets exist to protect workers from falling. However, it is not always possible to provide adequate safety features in all jobs and within the context of all kind of projects. One such example is vehicles with pronged devices carrying and lifting heavy loads.

Many people are under the assumption that the workers compensation claim is sufficient for an on the job injury of this type. However, in order for a worker to ensure that he or she is fully compensated for all costs associated with their injuries, it may be necessary for a lawsuit to be filed in the court system against negligent employers or other parties. In order to ensure that wages, medical bills and other costs are paid sufficiently, it is important to seek the advice of a forklift injury attorney as soon as possible for this type of accident.

3. It is estimated that Struck By Hazards are responsible for around 22 percent of construction accidents. These generally include flying and falling objects, vehicles and heavy equipment.

This type of accident has a 75 percent chance of being fatal. They usually involve working with trucks, backhoes, cranes and other types of heavy equipment. Workers for this type of injury are also susceptible when near power tools or cranes and under scaffolding. For example, a wall or building construction project can be particularly dangerous because of the heavy loads against insufficient structure strength.

4. Caught Between Hazards comprise around 18 percent of all construction injuries. These accidents involve any type of activity that has the potential to crush, suffocate or amputate a victim. This can occur anytime, but particularly while handling small machinery, trench caves, saws or when caught between any kind of equipment.

5. Electrical mishaps are estimated to be responsible for around 17 percent of construction related injuries. These can occur while grounding live wires when equipment fails or electrical wires and cords are too worn. It can also occur when the electrical current is not shut off properly.

Protection Systems

Since construction accidents have the potential to be more serious than other work related injuries, it is quite common that workers compensation claims will not cover expenses sufficiently. To make up for this deficiency, workers may have good reason to have a lawsuit filed. This is especially true whenever safeguards are not properly in place to protect them.

For example, when any type of negligence exists, such as inadequate job site inspections, there is definitely a reason to file a lawsuit against any negligent party. Anyone who has suffered from a construction related injury should seek the advice of legal counsel immediately. In this way, an injured worker can ensure that they receive the proper medical care and the compensation they need to recover as fully as possible.

Anthony Joseph is a freelance author who likes to write about different areas of the law, and is contributing this article to help promote on the job safety. Construction workers know just how dangerous working with forklifts can be. The Perecman law firm has attorneys with over 50 years of construction accident experience. They’re one of the most successful forklift injury attorney firms in the state of New York.

Common Causes of Cognitive Disorders

The brain serves as a vital integrating system that interprets, controls, and regulates all functions in the body. As the forte of the Central Nervous System, the brain not only enables mechanical movement, but it’s also responsible for memory storage, intelligence, sensory input (sight, smell, etc.), personality, and behavior. The skull, a protective layer of bones, encases the brain itself. When this skull is significantly damaged, the brain can become damaged and cause cognitive disorders. This condition is referred to as Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI. TBIs can lead to a host of problems, including memory loss, balance loss, headaches and nausea, learning disabilities, ADD, anxiety, depression, mood swings, loss of appetite, decreased alertness, and personality changes.

TBI: Causes and Risk Factors

Cognitive disorders are caused by a multitude of events. Many cognitive disorders are inherited due to genetic predispositions, and others are due to complications at birth or during development. For a vast majority of cases, however, victims suffer from cognitive disorders because of trauma to the head. A sudden and hard force of impact can result in permanent damage to the brain and chronic conditions.

Jolt or Shock

A severe jolt can cause brain injury in more than one location. The brain may be tossed around within the skull so that multiple spots on the brain may succumb to damage. This type of injury is common in car crashes in which the victim experiences whiplash, which can also lead to damage of the spinal column. Football, hockey, horse riding, boxing, skating, and other high-contact sports may lead to brain damage. Falling is common in children and the elderly. Slipping on ice, a wet floor, or in the tub are other examples of how one might acquire a cognitive condition.

Explosion

A blast or explosion can disrupt the brain tissue’s normal function, and cause damage over the entire brain. Those who work around demolition crews are at high risk for this type of injury. Miners, construction workers, and soldiers often acquire cognitive disorders due to explosions.

Puncture Wound

A puncture of the brain itself will destroy the local neurons and their supporting cells. Anyone working around machinery, such as factory workers, may have an accident at work in which the brain is punctured, causing a chronic cognitive disorder. Violence may also cause such an injury; in fact, one study found that gunshot wounds, stabbings, striking, and other forms of violence cause 10 percent of brain injuries.

Stroke

When the brain bleeds or undergoes edema, oxygen cannot reach the nerve tissue and neurons will die. This would be something that would happen during a stroke and, like a stroke, could lead to partial or total paralysis.

Prevention and Treatment

Since the acquisition of cognitive disorders is largely due to TBIs, obtaining adequate prevention is challenging. By remembering a few safety tips you can help protect yourself against TBI. Always wear protective headgear when participating in sporting events or when riding on motorcycles and four-wheelers. Drive safely and always wear your seatbelt in the car. Make sure that you follow the safety guidelines and use caution when operating heavy machinery or working in a factory. Follow your employer’s safety guidelines and take extra precautions when working in high-risk jobs. Remember that treating a cognitive disorder is extremely difficult. Most disorders are chronic and symptom relief is often the only solution. Surgery may be required to correct fractured skulls or remove blood clots. Diuretics and anti-seizure drugs may be used to correct cognitive deficiencies. The best approach is a preventative approach, which simply affirms the axiom, “Safety first!”

If your cognitive disorder or injuries have been caused due to medical negligence during an operation or any other medical procedure, an attorney specializing in medical equipment fraud can represent your case and bring the justice that you deserve.

UK motorists feeling the backlash of whiplash compensation claims

Guest post regarding whiplash compensation claims in the UK.

As part of an inquiry into how to drive down the cost of car insurance, MPs are set to launch a new investigation into how to reduce the number of whiplash compensation claims.

It has been reported that whiplash costs add around £90 to every motor premium, and The Transport Committee is calling for evidence on how this can be reduced.

Britain is referred to as ‘the whiplash capital of the world’ and The Transport Committee wants to ascertain what proportion of costs are caused by people faking their injuries, as whiplash is known to be extremely difficult for GPs to diagnose.

As a result of this, the cost of the average motor insurance policy is being pushed up by around 20%; even more staggering is the fact that between 2005 and 2010, whiplash claims have increased by 70%, despite the number of road traffic accidents falling by 23%.

It is thought that there are now around 550,000 whiplash claims per year, which equates to 1,500 per day; this leaves insurers with a compensation bill of around £2bn, and up to £2,500 of every whiplash compensation claim is wasted on legal fees and other unnecessary payments.

There are a number of steps that could be taken to reduce the number of spurious or exaggerated whiplash compensation claims in the UK.

For example, one possible course of action could be to offer fixed rates of whiplash compensation, and withhold a proportion of the compensation to directly pay for treatment, such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Alternatively, the system favoured in Germany and Austria could be used, where road traffic accidents are assessed using expert vehicle damage analysis, and any collisions that are below a certain speed are regarded as being too low to result any whiplash related injuries.

Another alternative course of action could be to introduce compulsory medical examinations for anybody wanting to make a whiplash compensation claim, which should hopefully curb the flow of spurious cases.

This practice is already being used by some whiplash compensation firms in the UK, such as Winn Solicitors, but there are calls to standardise this practice in order to cure the ‘epidemic’ of exaggerated whiplash claims; the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have also called for anyone whose whiplash claim turns out to be even partly exaggerated should automatically have their whole case thrown out.

The aim of these measures is to ensure that claimants are expertly assessed, and that compensation is paid to genuine claimants more quickly; they should also help to deter anyone that thinks a spurious whiplash claim is free money waiting to be collected.

If improved measures are introduced in the UK, one important factor that needs to be taken into consideration is that access to justice for injured people is preserved.

The Transport Committee will look at whether the government could be taking further action to reduce the cost of car insurance and wants written submissions by 15 April.

Falls at work – the law and how to obtain redress

Falls from heights at work account for more fatalities and serious injuries than any other carried out at work. In 2008/09 there were 35 fatalities, 4654 major injuries and a further 7065 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for over 3 days or more. In 2003/4 falls from height accounted for more than 15% of all recorded injuries. Working at height is therefore a serious business and safety for workers undertaking this work is paramount.  We’ll therefore look at the law relating to falls from heights and how workers can obtain some form of recompense if they’re injured in a workplace fall that wasn’t their fault. We’ll do so by examining the following:

  1. What should you do if you’ve had a fall at work?
  2. What types of claim can you make if you’ve had a fall at work?
  3. What do you need to show to succeed in a claim for a fall at work?

What should you do if you’ve had a fall at work?

If you’ve had a fall at work then you should contact a personal injury solicitor so that your claim can be assessed. A fall at work can have serious consequences and could lead to serious physical or psychological injuries and/or a sustained loss of earnings.

What types of claim can you make if you’ve had a fall at work?

If you’ve had a fall at work then you can make the following types of claim against your employer:

  1. A claim for breach of statutory duty
  2. A claim for common law negligence

We’ll have a look at these two types of claim below.

What do you need to show to succeed in a claim for a fall at work?

Claiming for breach of statutory duty against your employer

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to workplaces where employees are working at heights. Regulations 4, 5, 6 and 7 set out the responsibilities that an employer has for maintaining a safe working environment at height. These are as follows:

  • The work must be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe and that work at height must only be carried out when the weather conditions render it safe to do so (Regulation 4)
  • Workers must be competent to work at height or plan working at height (Reg 5)
  • Risk assessments should be carried out and reasonable work equipment should be provided and further reasonable steps taken to prevent falls from heights (Reg 6)
  • Reasonable work equipment must be considered and selected (Reg 7)

If your employer fails to comply with any of these duties and you suffer harm due to a fall from height as a result then you may be able to obtain a remedy through a claim for breach of statutory duty.

Claiming for common law negligence against your employer

As well as making a claim for breach of statutory duty, you may be able to claim against your employer for negligence in the civil courts. In order to succeed in such a claim you would need to show that:

  • Your employer had a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harm coming to you whilst you worked at height (the employer-employee duty of care is a well-established one)
  • Your employer breached this duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent harm coming to you
  • This breach of duty caused your losses
  • Your employer does not have a defence to your claim

Redmans Solicitors are compromise agreement solicitors and settlement agreement solicitors based in London

Employer’s liability for injuries sustained in the workplace – an introduction

Accidents in the workplace are extremely common – in 2011/12 173 workers were killed in accidents at work and 111,000 injuries occurred in the workplace (HSE statistics). If an employee is seriously injured by such an accident then they may wish to pursue their employer for any losses that they’ve sustained because of their employer’s unreasonable failure to comply with a statutory duty or if their employer has been negligent. You may wish to instruct a personal injury solicitor in such circumstances. We’ll take a look at these actions in this post and will do so by looking at the following issues:

  1. What potential actions can an employee pursue if they’re injured in the workplace?
  2. Can I bring a claim for breach of statutory duty?
  3. Can I bring a claim for common law negligence?
  4. What should I do if I’ve suffered an injury in the workplace?

What potential actions can an employee pursue if they’re injured in the workplace?

If an employee is injured because of a workplace accident then they may wish to pursue a remedy to compensate them for the pain and suffering that they’ve endured and the potential loss of earnings that they’ve sustained. There are two potential options open to employees if they wish to pursue such a claim – a claim against their employer for breach of statutory duty and/or a claim for common law negligence. These are two very different types of claim and we’ll have a look below at what an employee would need to show to succeed in such a claim.

Can I bring a claim for breach of statutory duty?

If you’ve suffered an injury in the workplace that was your employer’s fault then you may be able to bring a claim for breach of statutory duty. In order to succeed in such a claim you would need to show that:

  1. Your employer had an obligation to reasonably comply with a statutory duty
  2. That your employer failed to comply with the statutory duty
  3. That the failure to comply with the statutory duty caused you harm
  4. That there is no defence that your employer can use to defend against the claim for breach of statutory duty

Can I bring a claim for common law negligence?

Again, if you’ve suffered an injury then you may wish to pursue your employer for the common law tort of negligence. You can pursue such a claim in addition to a claim for breach of statutory duty, if you so wish. In order to succeed in such a claim you would need to show that:

  1. Your employer had a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to you (the employer-employee duty is a well-established one)
  2. That your employer breached this duty by unreasonably failing to uphold the required standards in the workplace
  3. That this breach caused damage to you
  4. That there are no defences that your employer can use to defend your claim against it

What should I do if I’ve suffered an injury in the workplace?

If you’ve suffered an injury in the workplace then it is advised that you contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible so that you can assess whether you have a viable remedy against your employer.

Redmans Solicitors are compromise agreement solicitors and settlement agreement solicitors based in London

5 Most Common Causes of Injury at Work

Workplace injuries are very common and disruptive to the lives of employees and businesses. Certain types of injuries as a result of negligence are more common than others and should be addressed by employers to avoid unnecessary liabilities. Listed below are the five most common types of injuries in the workplace, according to insurance companies.

A common type of injury in the workplace is an injury caused by objects falling on or striking a person. A coworker may accidentally drop an object that hits another employee on the head or foot, or may strike a coworker while using force with an object. This injury commonly occurs when an employee is not paying attention to the presence of other employees, or when protective gear in dangerous environments is not worn.

Another common type of workplace injury is a reaction injury. This type of injury results from moving rapidly to dodge a moving object or as a result of being startled. Similarly, this type of injury can result from employees not paying attention to their environment and the presence others.

Falling from heights is another common type of workplace injury. This type of injury may occur when climbing on objects or a ladder to reach an elevated object. This type of injury can be avoided by using proper equipment and techniques to reach elevated objects, as well as by using protective gear in case of a fall.

Slipping or tripping is another common type of workplace injury. This can result when leaks or spills are not promptly removed, or when objects such as cables get in the way of foot traffic. Employers must train employees to report leaks or spills, and must create conditions that allow workers to move about with ease.

The most common type of injury in the workplace is injury from overexertion. This may occur when an employee improperly lifts a heavy object such as a box by using his or her back, or by pulling a muscle when lifting an object that is too heavy. Employees should only lift objects they are capable of lifting, and must be taught the proper techniques to lift objects to avoid injury.

Properly training employees on workplace safety can prevent employers from experiencing loss of productivity and liability from workplace injuries. Employers must ensure that the workplace is safe and that regulations are being followed. There must also be open communication between employees and employers so that employees can voice any concerns they might have regarding unsafe conditions in the workplace. In case of an injury at the workplace resulting from negligence, employment solicitors may be able to assist one in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of initiating a claim to recover the costs resulting from such negligence.

Author Bio

Jonathan Gordon is a freelance copywriter who writes for a variety of websites, including a number of family solicitors.

Could We See an End to Bogus Whiplash Claims?

The Ministry of Justice have started a consultation on reforms with the aim to reduce the epidemic of claims we are witnessing here in Britain. According to statistics there are now 2.7 claims for whiplash for every accident that involves someone in the vehicle being injured.

The Numbers:

If a change comes out of this reform and the Government moves to clamp down on bogus whiplash claims the average motor insurance premium could be reduced by £50 a year. The large amounts of claims are currently costing each motor policy holder around £90 a year. Insurers now pay out £2 billion each year in compensation and legal costs for whiplash.

The total number of all injury claims made from road accidents has increased from 519,000 in 2006 to 828,000 in the past year. However, interestingly the total number of road accidents has fallen by one fifth.

Crash for Cash

The new reform hopes to clamp down on ‘crash for cash’ gangs; these are people who willingly get themselves involved in road traffic accidents in order to gain a financial benefit. ‘Crash for cash’ fraudsters will often stage accidents by deliberately crashing into each other in order to make insurance claims or will make insurance claims on accidents that haven’t even taken place. They will also attempt to cause innocent drivers to crash into the back of them meaning they can then make a bogus insurance claim and also claim for whiplash – it’s these sorts of things that the Government need to stamp out in order to reduce motor policy premiums.

The Problem:

We live in a world where it has become acceptable to claim £2-3,000 for an injury, even if there isn’t one – or it was so minor it was nothing that a few painkillers couldn’t fix. The problem is that whiplash claims are really difficult for insurers to disprove – it’s not something that shows up on scans or x-rays, meaning claim companies and insurers have to rely on the honest of the British public.

Call for Effective Diagnosis

The Ministry of Justice have plans to come up with an action plan which will support effective whiplash diagnosis with the help of medical experts as well as simplifying the process to ensure that genuine victims can make a claim and receive the compensation they deserve.

There are, unfortunately, a large amount of people each year that are badly injured after being in a road traffic collision that need and deserve to claim as they have lost money due to being off work or more importantly have lost some of their quality of life.

Not only will effective diagnosis for whiplash ensure that genuine claimants receive a pay-out quickly and efficiently it will also reduce the chance of fraud – lowering insurance premiums in the long run.

If You Do Genuinely Have Whiplash…

Whiplash is where the ligaments in your neck have been overstretched causing a sprain, it can lead to stiffness and loss of movement as well as headaches. It can be very painful and if you believe you or a loved one genuinely has developed whiplash after being involved in a road traffic collision you should go to the hospital and get it checked out, contact your insurer as well as a claims company.

This post was written by Meredith Watts on behalf of Claim Advance, specialists in road traffic accidents and personal injury claims, helping you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Claims Process After an Accident

A car crash can be a frightening event, and even the least damaging of accidents can turn into major inconveniences. In the unfortunate instance that you are involved in an accident, you will need to file a car accident claim. It will benefit you to understand the ins and outs of the claims process in order to recover the full amount of money that you deserve.

After taking the necessary preliminary steps after an accident, like calling the police and filing an official accident report, exchanging information with the other driver(s) and collecting any evidence, you will need to begin the process of filing a claim. This starts with making a phone call to your insurance company. Your insurer will then send out a claims adjuster to investigate your claim. During this investigation, they will determine who is at fault, assess damage that was done to your vehicle, review your coverage and deductible and assess any injuries that you may have sustained during the accident. After the initial assessments, it will be determined whether your claim is a simple claim or a complex claim.

Cases in which there is no question in regards to what occurred and who was at fault in the accident, the adjuster will likely only need to simply get an estimate for the cost of repairing the car before they pay you the cost of your repairs minus the deductible. Simple cases are fairly open and shut, with few complications. Some auto insurance companies have participating body shops that they will recommend, although you are not required to get your repairs done there. If you do choose one of their participating mechanics, you will usually get your estimate and a general overview of repairs on the spot. Some insurers will also offer to pay a doctor’s bill on the spot, and ask you to sign a release form.

In complex or difficult car accident claims where fault is an issue and is yet to be determined, there are serious injuries or unusual circumstances surrounding the accident, the insurance claims process can be more embroiled. In this type of case the claims adjuster will typically contact everyone involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, witnesses and any officials who were at the scene of the crash. They may conduct interviews, take photos, obtain recorded statements, look into certain traffic laws, and review damage and hospital records, as well as other in-depth research to determine who was at fault. Depending on who was at fault and which state you live in, difficult claims could vary from a simple negotiation with an insurance company to a personal injury litigation.

Take precaution when speaking with insurance adjustors. Their goal is to save money, therefore can and will use anything you say against you. The best thing to do is avoid talking to them altogether, and allow your car crash attorney to handle all conversations with the insurance companies. Lawyers will almost always offer a free consultation. Hiring the right attorney can save you plenty of money and hassle.

Health & Safety of Industrial Doors

Roller shutter doors are perfectly suited to industrial properties. They can improve the level of security, make the most of limited space and improve energy efficiency, so it’s easy to see why they are such a popular choice for a range of commercial companies.

As an employer, you have a duty to adhere to health and safety legislation in order to protect your staff and members of the public who might be working with or in the vicinity of your roller shutter doors. Since these doors are run on electric mechanisms they are classed as a piece of machinery and as such must comply with the government’s “Supply of Machinery Regulations”

So how can you be sure that you are meeting this legislation? Follow this simple guide to find out more.

Manufacture

The simplest way to ensure that your roller shutter doors comply with the Supply of Machinery Regulations is to ensure that every one of your doors has been manufactured in accordance with BS EN 12453 : 2001. This is an international standard that relates specifically to power operated doors, and ensures that the doors meet a minimum performance requirement.

Safety Devices

Motor Device
The single biggest cause of death or injury relating to roller shutter doors is a lack of in-built safety devices in the motor. Without a device to limit the force of the door as it opens or closes, anybody who comes into contact with a moving door is at risk of suffering impact or crush injuries, so you should aim to purchase doors that have devices fitted as standard.

Dead Man Switch
If your roller shutter door does not feature a motor safety device, it should be operated by a dead man switch. This means that the door must be manually opened or closed by a member of staff, who should have the door in plain sight so that they can ensure nobody is in the vicinity of the door while it is in motion. Because the switch on an industrial roller shutter door must be held down continuously for the door to move, it will stop immediately if released.

Brake
A safety brake is another device that contributes towards roller shutter safety, since it prevents the shutter from dropping suddenly in the event of a failure in the motor or any other integral part of the door mechanism.

Maintenance

To ensure that your roller shutter doors function properly for as long as possible it is vital to cover them with an on-going maintenance contract. Doors should be serviced at least once or twice a year by a professional engineer who can carry out minor repairs or provide advice about the need to replace any doors or parts. By carrying out regular inspections you can help to detect signs of wear and keep your employees as safe as possible, whilst also helping to save you money by prolonging the life of your doors.

To find out more about the Supply of Machinery Regulations, you can read the full report at the official home of UK legislation.

This post was written by Nicky Hand. To ensure that you are meeting all of the vital health & safety standards that are required for your staff, talk to AC Garage Doors about your next installation of roller shutter doors.

Preventing Fatalities in Public Transportation

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 120,000 accidental deaths occur every year. The majority of these incidents occur in public places like parks, schools, transits, and businesses. Transits are a major concern because of the likelihood of fatalities or serious injuries in accidents on buses, trams, and trains. By practicing basic safety procedures and getting these work uniforms by Total Image Group for their workers, business operators can prevent public fatalities and protect the public from injury.

How Accidents Occur

When an accident occurs, it’s usually due to negligence. Whether it’s the business, the victim, or a third party, someone is always responsible. Trains and buses have standards and codes that must be abided by, but overworked employees don’t always follow policy. It’s as easy as setting a heavy box on a weak shelf, or failing to conduct a routine check on a public bus. Sometimes it’s the victim’s fault, like falling down an escalator. Fires, electrocution, collisions, falls, drowning, and choking are examples of common accidental deaths, all of which should be preventable in public transportation.

Prevention of Incidents

Businesses should practice stringent procedures to avoid unnecessary injuries or deaths. Emergency rooms across the country see twenty-nine million injuries per year, the majority of these injuries are due to collisions. On public transit, drivers and engineers should be well trained, attentive, sober, competent, and cautious. Buses and passenger trains should have passenger safety tips posted visibly for all to see. Many technical glitches can occur on transportation vehicles and trams, and these glitches pose a serious threat to public safety. Wheels and tires should be checked, along with brakes and transmissions.

The following is a list of generic safety guidelines that all businesses can follow to prevent deaths in public places.

Smoke detectors and fire alarms – These basic tools not only prevent fires from breaking out, but they also warn others of danger and extend an opportunity to evacuate.

Safety signs displayed for hazards, such as watch your step signs – Falling is one of the most common examples of preventable injuries. It can be difficult to notice when a clean floor is wet, so having a sign tells people to either avoid the area or to tread carefully.

Adequate lighting – Proper lighting goes a long way toward preventing accidents such as falls, cuts, and other operator or user-related accidents. People are less apt to make fatal mistakes in the workplace if they can see their environment.

Routine maintenance checkups – Routine checkups ensure proper functioning of equipment. Checkups also prevent electrical fires and electrocutions.

Proper work oversight – Managers can prevent accidents by checking the work of employees and monitoring the working environment.

Employee hygiene policies – By encouraging employees to wash their hands, businesses can prevent the spread of disease. This is especially important for public transit, which carry thousands of people through the flu season. An infection can be as deadly as a fall.

Emergency Response

Response to an emergency plays a major role in preventing public fatalities. Employees should contact the authorities immediately in the event of an accident. Buses, trains, schools, and businesses should display a list of emergency contacts, including the local fire and police departments. Fire extinguishers should be clearly visible to the public. A business should have fire exits, or emergency exits, with well-lit signs. The Department of Public Safety has detailed guidelines for public structures and building codes, but unfortunately these are not always followed. When death occurs on public transportation due to negligence, an attorney specializing in wrongful death can help bring justice and settlement to the victims.