Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Workplace

When it comes to the safety of workers, it is essential for employers to consider possible dangers in the workplace and take steps to protect those who inhabit offices, job-sites, and warehouses. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious problem that is the leading cause of accidental poisoning injury and death in the U.S.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the "Silent Killer" because it has no odor, no taste, and is not visible to the naked eye. People who are exposed to the gas may be unaware that they are in danger until it is too late, and they may suffer serious injuries or even death if exposed for a length of time. If an office or workspace is poorly ventilated, appliances and machinery that emit the gas may threaten the safety of employees who work in the area.

Commonly found appliances that may emit carbon monoxide include water heaters that run on gas, propane appliances like stoves and heaters, generators powered by diesel and gas, forklifts, saws, boat engines, and other commonly found items. Certain chemicals like spray paints, paint removers, and other commonly used items can also emit the gas and cause health problems for persons who may inhale the fumes.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may be relatively minor at first and may be confused with common illnesses like the cold or flu. Persons exposed to the gas may complain of headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, all of which can easily be mistaken for other health problems. More serious symptoms may include chest pain, hallucinations, seizure, and other very severe reactions to the exposure.

People who have been exposed to the poisonous gas often require high doses of oxygen and may even be subjected to hyperbaric chambers as treatment in severe cases. Unfortunately, the gas may cause lasting injuries and serious health problems for individuals exposed in the workplace, and the injured parties may be eligible for compensation from the company for medical expenses and other costs.

If a worker suffers injury while working in the office or on the job-site, he or she may be able to pursue compensation from his or her company's worker's compensation plan. For more information on obtaining worker's compensation benefits, contact the Philadelphia worker's compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Joseph Devine

Mesothelioma Attorneys Los angeles Detroit Personal injury Attorney Georgia Mesothelioma Lawyers

A Philadelphia Vision Injury Lawyer Talks About Traumatic Brain Injury and Vision Issues

Traumatic Brain Injury And Related Vision Issues.

Over 8 million head injuries occur each year according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Modern medicine saves the vast majority of these people. Many traumatic brain injury survivors suffer from visual problems ranging from dry eyes to visual field loss to double vision. Many patients with visual problems after a head injury fail to receive adequate vision rehabilitation.

Brain injury may affect vision in many ways, including loss of visual field, spatial disorders, vertigo, dizziness and more. Patient may experience visual spatial disorders. When certain portions of the brain are damaged, the patient may fail to appreciate space to the left side.

Following injury to the brain, eye movements may become more jerky in nature. Nystagmus, a jerky motion of the eyes, may occur. Nystagmus results in a vertigo-like sensation. Damage to the brain stem may result in dizziness.

Dry eyes may occur after brain injury. Artificial tears or will usually control the problem.
Memory is often impaired after head injury. A person may no longer be able to recognize faces or letters. A common visual effect of brain injury is the loss of one's ability to see to the side. The most common form of field of vision loss is loss of half of the field of vision in each eye.

Light sensitivity is variable. Some patients have severe light sensitivity and others have no such problem. Tinted eyewear, may aid the patient.

Patients with field loss may benefit from the Visual Field Awareness System or the Peli Lens. Both of these systems increase the patient's ability to detect objects on the side of their visual field. Ocular convergence, or bringing the eyes together, is frequently impaired in brain injury. Orthoptic therapy may aid this problem.

For more information about Evan Aidman, a Philadelphia, PA Brain Injury Lawyer and his work with clients with serious injuries click here: Philadelphia, PA Injury Lawyer

Evan Aidman is the founder and principal of the Law Offices of Evan K. Aidman. Mr. Aidman received a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Florida where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society after compiling a near perfect scholastic record. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, an Ivy League Institution, in 1983.

Click Here for Attorney Aidman's website: Philadelphia Brain Injury Lawyers

Mesothelioma Attorneys Los angeles

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - A Preventable Tragedy

Birth defects are a tragic potential outcome to pregnancy. It can be heart-breaking to have a child who suffers from a congenital or genetic abnormality. But more tragic still is when a child suffers from a preventable defect, an abnormality caused because of the mother's life decisions. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is such a disorder, one that affects the children of mothers who drank alcohol during their pregnancy, and one that can seriously diminish the life potential and happiness of the children who suffer from it.

The Cause

FAS is caused by drinking during pregnancy, which can cause the alcohol to cross the placential barrier, affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Worryingly, about 30% of American women admit to drinking at some point during their pregnancy, with as many as 15% of pregnant women admitting to have ingested alcohol recently.

Because the brain continues to grow and develop throughout each trimester, there is no safe time to drink during a pregnancy. If you do drink, you run the risk of permanently damaging your child. Virtually all medical health professionals agree that you should, under no circumstances, drink alcohol during your pregnancy.

The Effects

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a serious problem. It can cause damage to the brain and the nervous system, with long-term damage to cognitive abilities and behavioral regularity. FAS causes permanent, irreversible damage to the central nervous system, and frequently results in the victim having decreased intelligence, bad memory, attention issues, anger management problems, and poor cause-and-effect reasoning.

FAS is the number-one cause of mental retardation in the developed world. As many as 2 births out of 1000 in the United States are affected by the disorder; while this number may sound slight, it is significantly higher than the number of Down syndrome or spina bifida cases.

The long-term effects are equally tragic. Adults who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are more likely to suffer with addictive tendencies of their own later in life, with drug and alcohol addictions being the norm rather than the exception.

The cost of FAS is borne by all of us. It is estimated that the lifetime social costs to a child suffering from FAS is $800,000. The non-monetary costs are also high, as is the personal tole the disorder takes on family and friends.

If you'd like to learn more about the dangers of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other medical disorders, visit the Philadelphia malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at http://www.philadelphiamedicalmalpractice.com.

Joseph Devine

Colorado Mesothelioma Lawyers Georgia Mesothelioma Lawyers

Heavy Machinery Injuries

Injuries Involving Heavy Machinery

Since the invention of heavy machinery, workers in industrial occupations have found that their duties have been altered in significant ways. Before the advent of machinery to help with industry, workers had to transport items manually and usually could not perform the tasks required of the job with the speed at which they move today.

Industries rely on machines like cranes, forklifts, trucks, and tractors to move items from one place to another, lift heavy items, and move large amounts of material from one place to another. The machines can lift heavier loads and carry more items than individual laborers could ever do on their own. Despite the fact that the machines of industry have eased the lives of workers and business owners, there are often serious risks involved in the operation of such vehicles.

Workers who suffer injury on the job-site may find themselves unable to attend work or perform the duties of their occupation. Injuries may require hospitalization, treatment, and rehabilitation before the employee can return to his or her normal duties. Worker's compensation was created to help workers who are injured on the job pay for medical expenses, lost wages and compensation, and other expenses incurred as a result of an accident.

While many people realize that accidents can happen at any time, workers who have to operate in or around heavy machinery may be at higher risk of severe injury. Commonly reported accidents have involved:

Mechanical breakdowns



Vehicle collisions



Workers run-over by work vehicles



Workers injured by dropped materials



Employees hurt by the misuse of the machinery



Injuries caused by defective parts



Employees working near an accident involving machines



Tire blowouts and other accidents caused by poor maintenance

If a worker is injured while performing the normal duties of his or her job, the individual may be able to apply for worker's compensation benefits from the employer. If a compensation claim is wrongly denied, the employee may choose to take legal action to gain benefits during his or her rehabilitation. Claims often rely on the reported details of the accident and may depend on the worker proving that he or she was injured while operating the machinery in the proper manner.

If you have been wrongly denied worker's compensation benefits, you may want to consult an experienced worker's compensation attorney. For more information, visit the website of the Philadelphia worker's compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Joseph Devine

Asbestos Lawyers Los angeles Mesothelioma Lawyers Houston

Premises Liability Attorney - Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ1dPGnc4Zo&hl=en

Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers Mesothelioma Attorneys Los angeles

Smoke Inhalation Injuries in the Workplace

Although most employers go to great lengths to make sure their employees operate in a safe and healthy environment, some industries and vocations require employees to be regularly exposed to health hazards like chemicals, heat, and smoke. Although the effects may take a while to truly develop into harmful symptoms, smoke inhalation is a serious issue and can severely affect an individual's ability to perform the duties of his or her job.

Factory workers, firefighters, restaurant kitchen crews, hazardous clean-up crews, and other workers may be exposed to smoke on a daily basis and may suffer serious injuries as a result. While many employers attempt to provide a smoke-free environment for the workers in their employ, it may be difficult to completely prevent the inhalation of smoke in the workplace.

Common symptoms of smoke inhalation often include:

Irritation of the lungs



Eye, nose, and throat irritation



Difficulty breathing



Persistent cough



Headache



Dizziness



Lack of energy and appetite

Persons who are suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation may experience mild symptoms at first that may worsen over time. They may continue to work without seeking medical attention and may eventually find that the symptoms prevent them from being able to perform the duties required by their employer.

If a worker is exposed to smoke for a long period of time, he or she may face serious health complications as a result. Many people complain of shortness of breath, lung problems, headaches and vertigo, and other health issues that may make it difficult to work. If a person finds himself or herself unable to work for a sustained period of time, he or she may be eligible for worker's compensation from his or her employer.

Workers who are injured while performing the required duties of their job may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that may arise due to illness or injury. If you have been wrongly denied worker's compensation benefits, it is wise to consult an experienced worker's compensation lawyer to discuss your legal options.

For more information on smoke inhalation and workplace injuries, visit the website of the Philadelphia worker's compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Joseph Devine

Colorado Mesothelioma Lawyers Mesothelioma Attorneys San diego

Restaurant Kitchen Injuries

Eating establishments like restaurants, diners, and fast-food spots may be very busy places, especially during lunch and dinner. Restaurants typically find that they are much busier on weekends and holidays than they are during the week, but popular places may be busy any day of the week. Restaurant employees including waiterstaff, chefs, cooks, and busboys may suffer injuries while on the job, especially during busy times.

Restaurant kitchens are a common site for on-the-job injury. Kitchens may feature hot stoves, ovens, and grills that can cause burns to individuals working nearby. Kitchen utensils may also cause injury to employees, the most common of which are knife cuts and injuries caused by pots and pans. Restaurant kitchens may also have slippery surfaces upon which individuals may trip and fall.

In the event of an accident, the injured employee may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and lost wages under his or her employer's worker's compensation plan. If an employee is injured and is unable to work, the person may find it difficult to support himself or herself. Workers' compensation benefits are designed to help workers who are injured while performing the duties required of them by their employers.

Restaurant workers may be at risk of injury if the facilities are not properly maintained or cleaned after spills or accidents. Waitstaff and cooks may suffer injury in slip-and-fall accidents if liquid spills or food is left on the floor accidentally and is not quickly cleaned up. Employees may also suffer injury from improperly stored pots and pans.

Other common injuries include cuts from knives and other utensils during the preparation of food. Serious cuts can cause severe injuries to restaurant workers and may result in permanent disability. Burns are also common in areas where food is being prepared, often caused by open flame, heated surfaces, and cooking oil.

In the event of an injury, workers should immediately alert managers or supervisors and should seek immediate medical attention. Typically, the employer will document the incident and may require the individual to submit medical records detailing the nature of the injury. If you have been injured in a work related accident, you may wish to consult an experienced worker's compensation attorney.

For more information on worker's compensation claims, visit the website of the Philadelphia worker's compensation attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. 

Joseph Devine

Colorado Mesothelioma Lawyers Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers Georgia Mesothelioma Lawyers