You have the right to a safe, clean working environment. But sometimes your employer puts the needs of the company above your own needs. If you work in the food processing industry, you might know this better than anyone else.
Fast production lines make food processing jobs dangerous
Different types of construction injuries and risks to workers
This blog recently discussed the nature of workplace injuries and what injured workers may be able to do about them. One industry that can be particularly risky for workers to suffer serious and catastrophic injuries is the construction industry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that of 3.3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses that occurred during 2009, 9 percent occurred in the construction industry. Per 100 full time workers, construction workers suffer 4.3 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses.
Of these construction accident injuries, some of the most common types of construction injuries are fall injuries. Construction workers can suffer falls from improperly secured scaffolding, roofs, ladders and cranes. In addition, construction workers can be in danger from falling objects including objects that were not properly secured on the construction site. Equipment-related accidents are another category of construction accidents that can have devastating consequences for victims who can suffer injuries related to large equipment accidents or other types of equipment like nail gun accidents.
What to know before a Social Security disability hearing
A disability hearing typically comes after the initial application for benefits has been denied, but it is something that disabled applicants should carefully prepare for rather than being anxious about. In some states, it may be the first step in the process. Disabled individuals should know what to expect so that they can share their disability and how it impacts them to demonstrate their need for the Social Security disability benefits they are seeking.
As a general rule of thumb, of course, the disabled individual should avoid any mistruths or exaggerations during the hearing. The hearing will be before an administrative law judge who will be making a determination about the disabled individual's benefits. It is important for the disabled applicant to keep in mind that there are additional options for appeal if their benefits are denied following the hearing. Disabled individuals should be prepared and also know what to do if that happens.
The nature of workplace injuries and what workers can do
Workplace injuries can mean devastation for injured workers and their families who can suffer physically, financially and emotionally as a result. Because of this unfortunate reality, workers suffering from work injuries should be familiar with the kinds of injuries they may suffer and what they can do about it if they have been injured on the job.
Injured workers can face a range of injuries spanning from contusions, cuts and broken bones to permanently disabling injuries that may be suffered on the job. Injured workers may suffer a traumatic brain injury on the job; spinal cord injuries and paralysis including paraplegia and quadriplegia on the job; back and neck injuries on the job; and burns and other injuries on the job as well. Each of these different types of workplace injuries can change the injured worker's life forever.
What types of workers' compensation benefits are available?
There are certain benefits that employees are entitled to, and some sere as a protection for injured workers. Workers' compensation is very valuable for injured working, and one should be familiar with each of the different types of benefits that may be available to help them during their difficult time. Injured workers who have suffered harm in the workplace can benefit from knowing how the workers' compensation process can impact them.
It is important to note that workers' compensation system is a type of insurance available to workers injured in their workplaces. It is also essential for injured workers to understand that the workers' compensation system is a no-fault system, which means that in most circumstances when a worker has been injured on the job, workers' compensation benefits will cover their injuries. Only in limited circumstances and situations will workers' compensation benefits be unavailable to injured workers.
How do I appeal a Social Security disability benefits denial?
Unfortunately, most claims for Social Security disability benefits are initially denied, which is why it is helpful for disabled individuals to be familiar with their different appeals options and for them not to despair if their claim for benefits has initially been denied. It is also equally helpful for disabled individuals to be prepared to submit a strong an initial application as possible and to be familiar with the application and appeals processes.
In addition to Social Security disability or SSD benefits have been denied, if they have been modified or terminated, disabled individuals also have the right to appeal. There are several levels of appeal and they may vary slightly by state so it is useful to be familiar with the Social Security disability appeals process in your state. The four levels of appeal include a request for reconsideration; a hearing before an administrative law judge; a review by the Social Security Administration Appeals Council and an appeal to federal court.
Can you choose your doctor for a workers’ comp claim?
If you were injured on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. Under workers’ compensation, employees are eligible for medical expense coverage, lost wage reimbursement and rehabilitation cost coverage due to illness or injury caused by work-related incidents.
It is crucial that you report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. After you report the injury to your supervisor or employer, they have 10 days to file a report with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you do not report your injury immediately, your employer could dispute the claim.
New program in Mississippi helps disabled individuals
Social Security Disability benefits are a lifeline for many disabled individuals. A new program in Mississippi will allow disabled individuals receiving Social Security Disability benefits to work and save money without losing their benefits. Programs like Social Security Disability and Medicaid include limits on assets that may result in benefits being suspended if the disabled individual exceeds those limits. In some circumstances, the asset limit can be as low as $2,000. The current limits can in turn limit the amount of assistance disabled individuals receive from family members so the limits are not violated.
A new law allows disabled individuals to set aside money that is tax free if it is spent on disability-related expenses that qualify. The new program will allow disabled individuals to save up to $15,000 annually to pay for medical procedures, monthly expenses or other qualifying expenses under the law. Supporters believe the new law will encourage financial independence for disabled individuals who qualify for the program. Participation is limited to those who became disabled prior to the age of 26.
Workers' compensation basics for Mississippians
Workers' compensation benefits are available to Mississippians suffering from a workplace illness or injury. Occupational illnesses can occur because of hazardous exposure on the job and occupational injuries can include a variety of injuries that occur on the job because of a workplace accident.
Injured Mississippians can receive workers' compensation benefits to help pay for their medical care and disability benefits that help with their lost wages when they have suffered harm in the workplace. Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system employers pay into to ensure injured workers are protected but also prevents injured workers from bringing most personal injury claims against their employers for injuries and harm suffered at work. Because of that, it is important for injured workers to ensure they maximize their workers' compensation benefits.
Workers can suffer a variety of different types of injuries
There are a variety of different types of workplace injuries that workers may suffer and it is likely that they will need help with all of them. Whatever the injury the worker has suffered, workers' compensation benefits are an important benefit to be aware of that can step in to help injured workers and their families get through a difficult time ahead.
Injured workers can suffer serious and catastrophic injuries in the workplace. All workers have the right to a safe workplace but, when they have been harmed in the workplace, they may also have the right to workers' compensation benefits to help them with their lost wages, medical expenses and other harm they have suffered as a result of their work injury. Injured workers need to know how to apply for these important benefits and to obtain them when needed.
