Contra Costa County and Tri-Valley Workers' Compensation Blog

Gun ranges nationwide, including in California, pose lead poisoning hazards for both workers and customers. Fortunately, affected employees can claim workers' compensation benefits. A gun range in another state that opened only four months ago recently received a warning citation after high lead levels were identified in the firing range area and also the merchandise area that is frequented by customers. The business owner explained that a defective air filtration system caused air from the range to flow into the showroom. A separate system in the firing range area pushes lead-laden air out.

Workers who are exposed to excessive levels of lead could suffer lead poisoning, which can cause damage to the nerves, brain, reproductive system, kidneys and red blood cells. Exposed workers who experience abdominal pain and cramping, stool that is tarry or black, nausea, vomiting, headaches, stupor or confusion might have been poisoned by lead. Other symptoms include jaundice and a sudden decrease in the volumes of urine passed. A doctor's examination and a lead level test is crucial if any of these symptoms are experienced after working or visiting a gun range.

People typically go into the medical field because they want to help others live their best lives. Unfortunately, along with the responsibility for the care of other human beings, medical workers often have higher risks of on-the-job injuries than other kinds of employees.

While few people think of hospitals as innately dangerous, there are many work-related injuries in hospitals across the country every day. From combative patients to accidental needle sticks, there are myriad ways in which hospital workers can end up severely injured or sick. The good news is that medical professionals, like other employed adults, have the right to seek workers' compensation after a serious injury at work.

Occupational hazards exist in all industries, and often the only way to avoid injuries and fatalities is by absolute compliance with safety regulations. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health reported that it is investigating an industrial accident that occurred at a steel fabrication company in Spring Valley. This incident claimed the life of one employee, and a workers' compensation claim for death benefits will likely follow.

According to a Cal/OSHA spokesperson, the accident occurred shortly before 10:20 a.m. on a recent Wednesday. A worker in his 20s suffered severe injuries when some iron beams struck him. Reportedly, this happened when the beams fell off a truck in the yard of West Coast Iron.

Federal safety authorities say millions of workers nationwide, including some in California, are exposed to excessive occupational noise every year. While there are strict limits to the decibel levels that are allowed and the hours of exposure, not all employers comply with the safety regulations. Those could also be the employers who might want to prevent affected workers from claiming workers' compensation benefits for employees who suffered occupational hearing loss.

Safety regulations mandate that average noise levels should not exceed 85 decibels over eight-hour shifts. Furthermore, employers must be proactive in protecting employees. Facilities with high noise levels must establish Hearing Conservation Programs that measure and manage noise levels. They must also offer employees free hearing tests at least once a year along with free ear protection.