As scientists and technology experts continue to develop new ways to extract the fuels from shale and sands throughout Arizona and the southwest, however, new concerns about workplace illnesses continue to arise. One of the newest methods, known as "fracking," is causing a stir because of potentially fatal workplace exposure to silica.
Battery explosion injures two at GM plant
A battery explosion in at a General Motors plant has injured two workers and forced the evacuation of 80 others, according to reports issued late last week. The two employees who sustained workplace injuries as a result of the accident have been treated and released. A small fire that occurred as a result of the blast was quickly extinguished. This type of accident is an example of an on-the-job injury that can happen to workers in the Phoenix area.
Keeping it cool in the workplace
As the Phoenix summer weather approaches and the heat edges its way to unbearable levels, we count on blessings for the miracle of air conditioning at home and at the office. Yet, there is one group of workers that aren't able to tap into the cool air when they check into their workplace -- our construction workers.
Arizona Rep. Fann sponsors workers' comp bills
Representative Karen Fann has submitted 17 bills to Arizona Legislative District One on subjects ranging from the sale of fireworks to workers' compensation. One of the bills she submitted was HB 2365. This bill requires those submitting a workers' compensation claim to meet the guidelines of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The option to appeal is available to doctors who disagree. The bill is being held in committee.
New study: Occupational illness and injury cost billions
According to a new study from a UC Davis researcher, occupational illness and injury could be costing the U.S. $250 billion each year. That estimation is based on data collected in 2007, adjusted for inflation. If accurate, work-related injury and illness costs are $31 billion higher than direct and indirect costs for the care of all cancers and $76 billion higher than diabetes.
Workers exposed to mercury receive government payment
Workplace accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere and at anytime. Some instances are due to faulty equipment, lacking the necessary upkeep by employers. Others are due to repetitive actions made by the worker during their course of employment causing temporary or permanent injuries. Arizona residents may be interested in reading about just some of the dangers that workers were exposed to during the advent of nuclear energy use.
Should athletes receive workers' compensation?
In light of some recent lawsuits involving the NFL, multiple issues have come to the public's attention. Among them are the correlation between concussions and dementia, the high risk to athletes of all ages and the status of athletes as employees entitled to workers' compensation.
Former railway worker receives payout for mesothelioma
A recent news article highlighted the story of a man recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. According to reports, he has received a considerably large payout from his former employer. The former 82-year-old union official was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs that can take decades to develop. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer and is only caused by exposure to asbestos, commonly in the workplace. There currently is no cure.
New technology addresses risks of sitting all day
A Phoenix, Arizona-based company has introduced an innovation that makes sitting at your office desk anything but sitting at your desk. In fact, it aims to eradicate the ill effects of sitting at a desk all day.
