NIOSH research delves into an evolving crisis
- National U.S. data show that 70% of all adults with an alcohol or illicit drug use disorder are employed, making the workplace an important setting to address substance abuse disorders.
- As a result, NIOSH recommends Workplace Supported Recovery resources.
- Companies should prevent work-related injuries and illnesses and reduce negative work conditions that could exacerbate substance use among employees with a current SUD or contribute to a return to using among employees in recovery.
- Firms also should support the development of favorable work conditions that provide internal and external resources needed to initiate and sustain recovery efforts.
OSHA scrutinizing crane accidents
- OSHA is urging employers in Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to enhance safety measures to protect workers against crane hazards following a crane-related death at the Port Authority of Guam.
- The incident is currently under investigation.
- The most common crane hazards include crane tip-overs, being struck by a crane, electrocutions, being caught in between a crane and other equipment or objects, falls from the equipment, and unqualified operators.
- As part of this crane safety initiative, OSHA compliance officers will conduct inspections at ports, construction sites and other locations where cranes are in use.
The potential for workers comp retaliatory claims
- A worker whose rights have been violated can file a civil lawsuit for reinstatement, lost wages and benefits, mental anguish, and even punitive damages.
- The worker also has the right to a jury trial. Other states, such as Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey, similarly permit a claimant to file a lawsuit for retaliation.
- Certain states, instead, allow claims to be made to their administrative agencies.
- New York permits an administrative complaint of retaliation with the New York Worker’s Compensation Board, which may order a worker’s reinstatement.
DOB responds to recent tragedies
- The New York City Department of Buildings announced a new winter construction safety campaign after four construction-worker fatalities at building sites throughout the city.
- All of the 40,000 permitted work sites in the city will be subject to ongoing enforcement sweeps and educational outreach through February.
- DOB inspectors will walk the site looking for unsafe conditions, distribute multilingual educational materials to construction workers about avoiding common work-site hazards, and talk directly to workers during morning safety meetings.
- Worker falls were responsible for eight of the ten building construction fatalities that have taken place in New York City in 2022.