Work Place Safety

The case, Secretary of Labor v. Echo Powerline, LLC is an unfortunate example of how employees can still get hurt when safety measures are taken into consideration. Echo Powerline, LLC was tasked with restoring downed power lines and poles that had fallen during an ice storm in Beaver, Oklahoma. While a crew supervised by Brad Brouilette had taken several precautionary measures to avert injury to his crew members, the unthinkable still occurred and two employees were electrocuted.

Bergelectric Corp. was hired to install the electrical system for the San Manuel Casino's renovation in California when an employee was injured on the job. On April 29, 2017, one of the company’s employees fell 24 feet while installing a conduit above the ceiling, causing him to suffer broken ribs and a spinal fracture. The case was referred to the federal Occupational Safety and Health  Review Commission (OSHRC), created to review possible violations of the Occupational Safety and Heath Act of 1970 (OSHA) , because the incident took place in a tribal casino located on a reservation under

In 2009 Massey Energy had been issued 515 citations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for safety violations at its Upper Big Branch coal mine located in West Virginia that was owned and operated by Massey Energy.

The Long and Winding Road to the New Workplace Safety Exam Rule for M/NM

You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard about the changes instituted to the workplace exam rule 30 C.F.R. § 56.18002/57.18002. The new rule states:

Examination of working places.

(a) A competent person designated by the operator shall examine each working place at least once each shift for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health. The operator shall promptly initiate appropriate action to correct such conditions.

(b) A record that such examinations were conducted shall be kept by the

As Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys, we frequently get asked by friends, family, and potential clients whether an injured worker needs to retain an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim. Ultimately, there is no absolute requirement that you have an attorney represent you in a workers’ compensation claim in Colorado.

The Colorado legislature wrapped up its 2014 session in May. During the session, a number of changes were proposed and made to Colorado workers’ compensation laws. A newsletter put out by the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation summarizes the relevant amendments, changes, and additions. Unfortunately, the newsletter only lists the changes; it doesn’t explain them. The following are a few notable changes.

The workers’ compensation attorneys at the Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group represent clients in all types of workers’ compensation cases. Some cases involve a relatively minor injury that can be completely resolved in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Others involve more serious on-the-job injuries that are permanent or even fatal. As would be expected, the latter type of injuries are more difficult to deal with medically, emotionally, and legally.

Are you an employee or independent contractor? The Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys at the Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group or its sister firm, Whitcomb, Selinsky Law PC, regularly consult with clients on potential workers’ compensation claims. One of the most common questions from clients is, “Am I entitled to workers’ compensation?” Ultimately, it depends on a variety of facts and issues. One of those is whether the injured worker is an independent contractor or an employee.

When is a minor injury not minor? Pop quiz from the Rocky Mountain Disability Law Group: You work at a small marketing firm, and after a stream of success, the company is moving into a newer upgraded office space. As you’re helping to move files from the old office to the new one, you trip on a wire and fall. Your wrist hurts a little, but it’s mostly your ego that has been bruised. Should you: (A) stand up and continue moving on into your new office; (B) assume that since your boss saw the incident she will fill tell you if any paperwork needs to be filed; or (C) insist on completing an