Workers' compensation insurance programs in Tennessee and other states generally allow employees to receive benefits when an injury or illness happens on the job. This can pay for the medical expenses an employee faces and may include costs for surgeries, necessary tools like crutches or prescription drugs. In the case of prescription drugs, some organizations like the National Safety Council are worried about the potential for abuse and how this relates to employers.
Robotic safety in the workplace
As technology advances, more and more workers in Tennessee perform jobs around robots. This can be hazardous if employers do not take appropriate safety precautions. After the first robot-related fatality occurred in 1984, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published safety guidelines for people who work near robots.
Standards for protecting construction workers from falls
Iron workers have some of the most hazardous jobs in the construction industry. Every year, falls are consistently among the top sources for injuries and fatalities on construction sites in Tennessee and nationwide. Meanwhile, fall protection violations lead the list of citations reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration annually. However, by carefully following OSHA's fall protection standard, employers can greatly reduce risks on the construction site.
OSHA to help improve worker safety in Tennessee
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a statement on June 25 that it was going to expand enforcement of worker safety rules for health care workers. It will be focusing on five specific hazards unique to hospital, residential care and nursing home workers. These hazards include slips and falls, safe patient handling as well as exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It is the second time in two months that OSHA has announced plans to increase enforcement regarding these issues.
