Contra Costa County and Tri-Valley Workers' Compensation Blog

Following years of complaints and reports about exposure to lead dust at a gun range in Santa Clara County, California's Department of Toxic Substances Control and the county's Environmental Health Department inspected a gun range. This was to determine the levels of lead to which workers and patrons are exposed. Victims of work-related lead poisoning file many workers' compensation claims each year.

After discovering dangerous levels of lead dust, the gun range and the adjacent gymnastic training center for youths were ordered closed until the necessary systems are installed to filter and contain lead dust. Reportedly, the results of the tests indicated elevated risks of lead exposure for occupants of the two businesses. Workers, patrons and young gymnasts risked exposure, and another threat is posed by lead dust adhering to clothes that can expose people at home.

California employees in various industries face the risks posed by confined spaces. It is an occupational hazard that leads to numerous workers' compensation claims each year. It is crucial for both workers and employers to understand when a space qualifies as confined and which of those areas must be regarded as permit-required spaces.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a confined space is an area that is large enough to accommodate a worker to perform tasks for limited periods. However, regardless of the size of the space inside, if there are limited means of entry or exit, it must be regarded as a confined space. Even something as large as a tanker is a confined space due to the small opening that will jeopardize a quick escape in an emergency.

In order to function properly and provide students with the learning experience they deserve, schools need a complete team to help the kids. Paraprofessionals are an important part of this team, but they are often overlooked when it comes to the implementation of safety protocol.

Paraprofessionals work closely with the children to help them with tasks throughout the day. While this is necessary, especially for some children who have specialized education plans, the safety of paraprofessionals shouldn't ever be placed on the back burner. One thing that has to be planned for is the risk of harm from the student.

Emergency medical workers, police officers and firefighters in California and across the country, see destruction, death and other emergencies every day. The typical person can become overwhelmed by stress just because of unpaid bills, relationship problems or other personal issues. Multiply that stress level by 100 to even start to understand the stress experienced by emergency services workers; as such, it is crucial for them to receive all applicable benefits under state-regulated workers' compensation laws when needed.

The sad part of this is the fact that excessive stress levels and the extreme emotions with which EMS workers must deal have caused suicide rates to escalate in all public safety professions. Moreover, divorce rates among these workers are growing. Safety authorities say more must be done to address the long hours, extended periods of shift work and other aspects that cause burnout.