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 »
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 »
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 »
2018 Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities Highest in Decades
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, an average of 17 pedestrians were killed each day in traffic crashes – the deadliest year on record since 1990. Pedestrian deaths climbed over 3 percent last year with over 6,000 fatalities and many more injuries in 2018 alone. Some theorize the increase in… Read More »
Pedestrian Deaths Highest in Three Decades
More than 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic related accidents in 2018 alone. A recent study reveals that pedestrian fatalities are at their highest in 30 years – a pattern that has never been seen before. Nationally, overall traffic deaths fell 6 percent over the last decade, however pedestrian deaths increased a whopping 35 percent… Read More »
Swimming Pool Injury Accidents
Iowa homeowners with swimming pools are liable when swimming pool injury accidents occur on their premises. Therefore, it is important for the owner of the pool to take responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for children and adults who use the pool and for people who live nearby. To prevent common injuries such as slip… Read More »
Fatal Car Crashes Linked to Drugged Driving
New Years, the Super Bowl, and more recently, marijuana users’ self-proclaimed holiday, 4/20 Day, all appear to be associated with increases in traffic fatalities. Risks that have long been linked to alcohol and driving on Super Bowl Sunday and New Year’s Eve are now associated with impaired driving on April 20th, aka 420 (four-twenty) Day,… Read More »
Safety Concerns for Des Moines Construction Workers
Downtown Des Moines is in the midst of a transformation. A development boom has been reshaping the area, with millions of dollars flowing into new construction. With more development comes increased danger for workers who sometimes fail or are unable to take basic steps to prevent falls or other workplace injuries. Many construction workplace accidents… Read More »
