Recently, two Iowa construction workers were killed and another injured when they came into contact with a buried “high voltage” electrical line while installing internet cable. Underground electrical cables not only create hazards for construction workers, but also electricians, utility company employees, farmers, landscapers, equipment operators, trenchers, excavators, and property owners who do not realize… Read More »
Increase in Teen Injuries From Fireworks
With the 2020 Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, Iowans are reminded to “think safety” when setting off fireworks to avoid injuries, which can happen in the blink of an eye. Since the legalization of the sale and use of fireworks in 2017, fireworks have been flying off the shelves and, according to one seller,… Read More »
Protecting Businesses and Healthcare Providers from Covid-19 Liability
Iowa lawmakers have passed legislation which largely shields businesses and health care providers from lawsuits related to the Corona virus. Although the bill passed in a 31-18 vote, groups representing Iowa meat packing plants and nursing homes, both hit hard by Corona virus infections, argue the new law will undoubtedly result in businesses not being… Read More »
Caution Urged as 2020 Motorcycle Season Ramps Up
Unfortunately, last week a motorcycle accident resulted in a fatality at SW 7th and MLK parkway in Des Moines. According to police, a teen driver’s failure to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic while turning at the intersection contributed to the crash. With nice weather returning to the area, car and truck motorists… Read More »
Controlling Hazards in the Workplace to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have the responsibility to provide their employees a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards. A big part of protecting workers involves workplace controls including: eliminating or substituting hazards engineering controls administrative controls and work practice controls Elimination (including substitution) involves removing a… Read More »
Prevent Dog Bites During Covid-19
Most families and children are home during the temporary shutdown, but there are still a number of employees who provide essential services exempted from the social isolation requirements including USPS mail carriers and also private delivery companies such as Fed Ex and UPS who all continue to deliver mail and packages to homes across the… Read More »
Excessive Speed Factors in Fatal Car Accidents
Two Des Moines men lost their lives after another driver struck their vehicle at an intersection on SW 9th – a street that has seen many car and pedestrian accidents. Police believe that excessive speed was a significant contributing factor in the fatal accident – the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the victims’… Read More »
Trench or Excavation Collapse Injuries
OSHA recently cited an Illinois construction company after an employee was seriously injured in a trench collapse accident. The employee was buried up to his waste after an unprotected trench collapsed as he was working on a residential storm sewer deeper than 5 feet. Despite being highly preventable, trench and excavation collapse accidents occur with… Read More »
Recent Pedestrian Accidents Result in Serious Injuries and Fatality
Monday night a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured by a vehicle near the intersection of 11st and University Avenue in Des Moines. The investigation is ongoing with officers looking into whether the driver of the vehicle was impaired or distracted at the time of the accident. The news follows reports that a pedestrian struck… Read More »
Iowa Drivers Asked to Give Emergency Crews a Brake
Law enforcement is reminding Iowa drivers to give emergency crews a brake – slow down, and move over when it is safe to do so, when they see emergency crews or highway helpers responding to car accidents or assisting stranded motorists along the highway. This reminder following yet another incident where an Iowa emergency crew… Read More »
