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 »
Manufacturing Plant Workers Injured at Wind Tower Plant
One manufacturing plant worker was killed and another worker critically injured Saturday in an accident at a wind tower manufacturing plant in Newton, Iowa underscoring just how dangerous manufacturing jobs can be even in the wind energy sector. Iowa is a leading wind energy producer in the nation and its central location and transportation infrastructure… Read More »
Maximizing Workers’ Compensation for Workplace Shoulder Injuries
Work injuries involving the shoulder are more common than many realize and can be very debilitating. A very common shoulder injury workers suffer involves the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder and help it move. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury can include shoulder pain and… Read More »
4 Steps to Take Following an Iowa Work Injury
If you are injured at work, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure you are covered under Iowa workers’ compensation: Immediately following a work accident, report the incident to your supervisor regardless of whether you think you need prompt medical attention “in the moment.” Sometimes, an injury that seems like nothing,… Read More »
