Many workers in Rhode Island have physically demanding jobs that put them at risk of accidents. Even with safety protocols, the crane industry presents certain hazards. These are the most common and how workers can stay safer. Crane safety hazards One of the most common workplace accidents in the crane industry occurs when materials fall. Unfortunately, even when operated safely, objects can spill from a load. Workers in the immediate area can be struck and injured. Crane operators must know the weight limit for loads they transport from one place to another. If overloading occurs, it can caus ..read more

The Rhode Island workers’ compensation program provides financial assistance to people who are injured in workplace accidents, and workers who develop job-related illnesses can also apply for benefits. There are many kinds of occupational diseases, but most of them fall into one of two categories. Workers either become sick after being exposed to toxic substances while on the job, or they develop musculoskeletal conditions because performing their tasks involves making repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects or remaining in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Toxic substances in the wor ..read more

Construction is one of the most demanding, risky professions in Rhode Island. Considering the heavy work involved in the field, it’s no surprise that many workers suffer injuries. Slips, trips and falls and falls from heights Slips, trips and falls occur on construction sites and account for many workers’ compensation claims. However, even more serious injuries occur when a construction worker falls from a height while working on scaffolding, a roof or another structure. In the worst-case scenario, without proper safety equipment in place, falls from heights can be fatal. Struck-by accidents C ..read more

Any job can place Rhode Island workers at risk of an injury or illness. With occupational diseases, the symptoms might take time to manifest. Once someone is diagnosed as suffering from health problems due to their work, they should consider filing for their rightful workers’ compensation benefits. Which jobs have a high rate of occupational disease? Specific jobs have a higher chance of workers developing occupational diseases than others. This is frequently contingent on the type of work it is and if potentially harmful substances are involved. Miners are susceptible to a variety of illnesse ..read more

A growing number of Rhode Island residents are working from home. For many, this is a convenient alternative. However, there might be questions about what happens if they are injured on the job and seek workers’ compensation benefits. Remote workers and workers’ compensation Working from home has grown exponentially. With that, people are wondering if they can be approved for workers’ compensation if they are injured. Independent of whether they are at home or onsite, an injured worker can seek workers’ compensation. The objective is to provide for injured employees so they can receive medical ..read more

Musculoskeletal disorders like carpel tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff tears and back sprains and strains cost private sector employers in Rhode Island and around the country about $17 billion each year. To help prevent these injuries, the National Safety Council funds research projects and programs that focus on reducing occupational injury risks. In January 2024, the NSC announced that up to an additional $260,000 will be allocated to support these projects. A common workplace injury MSDs, which are sometimes called ergonomic injuries, are the most common cause of workers’ compensat ..read more

Workplace injuries and illness occur everywhere, and workers’ compensation laws may vary across states. In Rhode Island, the law requires every employer to pay benefits for any employee injured on the job, regardless of who caused it. However, sometimes, it is simply the nature of the job, and no one is at fault. Physically demanding The Claims Journal cited statistics from a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that merchandise displayers and window trimmers lose the most time from work due to injury or illness. While this might not be the first occupation you would pick, it does make sense ..read more

Many people do not consider hearing loss when they think about workplace injuries. However, hearing loss can be caused by an employee’s working conditions and be both preventable and permanent. Rhode Island employers and workers alike need to understand the causes of occupational hearing loss and take steps to prevent it from occurring. Causes of workplace hearing loss Occupational hearing loss can occur over time or suddenly. When a worker’s hearing loss occurs because of conditions in the workplace, they can seek workers’ compensation benefits. Occupational hearing loss is a recognized, comp ..read more

Rhode Island is full of hard-working people, many of whom work in the construction, warehouse and manufacturing industries. Workers in these fields must watch out for struck-by injuries. These injuries typically involve an object moving quickly and hitting a person. Learning about preventing these injuries can stop you from being struck by an object. Wear proper safety equipment One of the best ways to avoid struck-by injuries is to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the most often used types of PPE is a hard hat. A hard hat protects the skull from falling objects. By law, it’s y ..read more

There’s always a risk of getting injured at your workplace in Rhode Island, regardless of your job But there are positions that are prone to more injuries than others. Here are the four main causes of workplace injuries, depending on your job type. Overexertion Overexertion refers to any injury resulting from excessive physical effort. Human body parts also wear out like machines in the workplace. For instance, if you are lifting heavy objects, it might cause back pain or sustained neck. Some people who work in the office also experience carpal tunnel syndrome because of typing too much. Howev ..read more