A recent decision from the Department of Industrial Accidents’ reviewing board illustrates the sort of circumstances under which an impartial medical examiner’s report can and should be found insufficient. The case involved Mae Roscoe, a sixty-two year old phlebotomist who was injured while working for Brigham and Women’s Hospital. At issue in this case was what… Read More
Ohio Worker’s Hand Crushed in Industrial Accident
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported on June 10 that it had concluded its investigation into an industrial accident that occurred on November 14, 2013. Superior Roll Forming Co. of Valley Center, Ohio, was cited for four serious violations after a worker’s hand was crushed in a 150-ton mechanical power press. OSHA investigators… Read More
Manhattan Employer Cited For Unsafe Working Environment
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined a Manhattan women’s jewelry and accessories maker nearly $50,000 for creating an unsafe working environment. The fine comes after Natasha Accessories Ltd. was found to have blocked exits and exposing workers to fire and safety hazards. In particular, there were no directional emergency exit signs to direct employees… Read More
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits While in an Alcohol Treatment Program?
Can an injured worker receive workers’ compensation benefits while attending an alcohol treatment program? That question was first addressed in Massachusetts in Kevin MacDonnell’s Case, a 2012 decision by the Massachusetts Appeals Court. This was a case of “first impression,” meaning that the Massachusetts courts had not had an opportunity to examine and decide this… Read More
More OSHA Oversight Needed After Combustible-Dust Explosions
In February 2008, an explosion and fire occurred at the Imperial Sugar refinery outside of Savannah, Georgia. The industrial accident caused a total of 14 deaths and 36 injuries, some of which were serious and even life-threatening. A subsequent investigation revealed that the accident was caused by the accumulation of combustible sugar dust throughout the building…. Read More
Jurisdiction in Workers’ Compensation Cases
In our increasingly mobile society, it is not uncommon for employees to need to travel out-of-state on work-related business. For example, a driver for a Massachusetts-based trucking company may travel to Connecticut or New York in order to deliver goods. Or a construction company headquartered in Boston may routinely bid on jobs in neighboring states… Read More
Massachusetts Business Owner Charged with Workers Comp Fraud
A Lowell, Massachusetts business owner was recently indicted on charges in connection with a workers’ compensation fraud scheme. A recent blog post discussed the various types of workers’ compensation fraud as well as how the various types of fraudulent schemes impact workers and other employers. Kruy Kroch, owner of MK Environmental, Inc., is accused of… Read More
Ironworkers in Philadelphia Highlight Reality of Workplace Violence
Last month, ten ironworkers from Philadelphia’s Ironworkers Local 401 were indicted in federal court for engaging in acts of workplace violence in an attempt to protect union jobs. The ten ironworkers union members were charged with various conspiracy charges for what was described as a “campaign of sabotage and extortion” targeting contractors who chose to… Read More
OSHA’s Top Ten List
A February 24, 2014 article by Cintas Corporation examined the top ten violations most cited by OSHA inspectors. OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and this agency was formed in 1971. OSHA’s mission is to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for men and women.” In order to accomplish this, OSHA creates… Read More