In the 19th century through the early 1900’s, workers seriously injured on the job were left to cover their own medical bills and figure out a way to cover lost wages until they were able to return to their jobs. With the passage of state workers’ compensation laws starting in 1911 through 1948 when the… Read More »
Tree Trimming Wood Chipper Injuries
Following the derecho storm that tore through Iowa, tree crews are working continuously to pick up downed branches residents have left at the curb and trim broken limbs from damage trees. Much of the work involves using a chipper machine to cut tree limbs into small chips, which can be dangerous if precautions are not… Read More »
Securing Maximum Work Comp Benefits
Although the pandemic pushed a booming economy into a recession, closing many businesses and putting people out of work at least temporarily, residential home and roadway construction has exploded leading to more jobs than anyone thought possible. Construction Workers Face the Greatest Risks in the Workplace While the Iowa construction boom is good news for… Read More »
Electrocution Accident Injury Attorneys
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 »
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 »
Workers’ Compensation for Covid-19 Illness
Whether coverage will be expanded remains to be seen, but keep in mind that infectious diseases such as the flu are not covered under workers’ compensation because it is nearly impossible to determine when and where someone contracted the illness and coverage under workers’ compensation insurance depends on whether an injury or illness resulted from… 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 »
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 »
Common Questions Regarding Iowa Workers’ Compensation
What types of injures are covered by workers compensation in Iowa? Any injury or condition caused by work activities other than the normal building up or tearing down of body tissues are compensable as are preexisting conditions where work aggravates or worsens them. Injuries resulting from work related slips trips and falls, struck by or… Read More »
Construction Workers Risk of Asbestos Caused Mesothelioma
Over a million construction workers are currently exposed to asbestos that can lead to conditions including asbestosis, where small fibers cause scarring in the lungs making it increasingly difficult to breath. Asbestos exposure can also result in the disease of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen… Read More »
