The Injury Board Commentary - Workplace Injuries - Latest Comments

A comment on OSHA finds serious safety violations at Manhattan and Bronx construction sites

Munro's Safety Apparel — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:26:21 GMT

"workplace safety cannot be left to the whims of fortune"

I think that's a great quote. 99 times out a 100 nothing is going to happen, but it still leaves one time. One time is too many when it could have been prevented.

A comment on OSHA fines salons, beauty schools for exposing stylists to formaldehyde in hair smoothing products

Jeff Cardarella — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:26:06 GMT

The Professional Keratin Smoothing Council PRESS RELEASE/OCTOBER 2011 states that appropriate salon ventilation should always be used for keratin hair smoothing treatments. Salons that are not equipped with salon source capture ventilation should NOT provide these services until this situation is corrected.
New technology (salon chemical source capture ventilation) has been developed and proven to be highly effective for improving salon air quality by minimizing exposure to formaldehyde, as well as the many gases, vapors and dusts found in salons.
Press Release Link: More ...

A comment on OSHA fines salons, beauty schools for exposing stylists to formaldehyde in hair smoothing products

Bonnie Duerst — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:39:27 GMT

Most of the information/MSDS regarding safe practices for hair smoothing products includes proper/adequate salon ventilation or local exhaust ventilation but never explains what that means. Some manufacturers suggest opening windows/doors or using fans but this will only help to circulate the vapors and dusts to the entire salon. All salons no matter the size need chemical source capture ventilation to lower the exposure of vapors & dust to the breathing zones of the stylist and client.

OSHA RECOMMENDED FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Toxic and Hazardous Substances ~ 1910.1048 App A
Engineering Controls
Ventilation is the most widely applied engineering control method for reducing the concentration of airborne substances in the breathing zones of workers.

A comment on Everyday Surfaces Teeming With Germs

Jackie — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:18:59 GMT

I recommend getting a bacterminator cover for your phone! They're available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and Macbook. They are antibacterial and non toxic for up to three years with regular use. They're currently not available in stores but you can get them at More ...

A comment on Highway Construction Worker Hit on Interstate 85 near Archdale, North Carolina

Pierce Egerton — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:38:17 GMT

I received an email recently from a friend of Ms. Lamphier seeking to clarify information disseminated in the media reports on this incident. With her permission, I'm reproducing her e-mail below.

"In regard to your posting of the accident that occurred on 85 south on April 6, 2010 with a construction worker and Annasue Lamphier. I would just like to help you along with others realize that the media is still the media and reports many things that are not accurate.

Yes, she did hit the worker, yes, she did swerve. However, what the media did not say is that she is a patient at Duke University with 8 listed autoimmune disorders. What the media did not say is that she was not under the influence of drug nor alcohol, but that they suspected it, but that was not the truth. Of course, once people realized this the first thing they said was "she should never have driven if she wasn't able." But she was able. And just as a person who has never had a heart attack or a seizure or stroke but is behind the wheel when the first one happens, she also did know that she was going to have a black out from hypoglycemia and low blood pressure.

You're right, had "John" died, Annasue would have certainly faced grave consequences and not simply legal. She was at a total loss about this man, his injuries, and his life. Since she would never intentionally hurt someone, this wore on her more than you may ever imagine. As her closest and dearest friend, I know the life she leads. I know the hours I spent with her in prayer and in tears praying for John. I know that the only reason she gets out of bed everyday are for her two children, one with diabetes and hashimoto's disease and the other with Chrohn's and a hormone deficiency that requires daily shots. Both of her children and herself have so many doctor appointments that all she does is travel, and that does not include Duke visits... all as a single parent.

It angers me that everyone knows (or judges) everything about someone they don't know, but never bother to provide a retraction, a real story, or try to find the truth. Well, this is the truth. It is my hope that people will not simply read media and judge someone based on inaccuracies."

In a subsequent email, Ms. Lamphier's friend also advised that Ms. Lamphier has kept tabs on the injured worker's progress and that he is doing much better. Ms. Lamphier's concern about the injured man is refreshing to me and speaks well of her character. In my experience, sadly, most drivers involved in accidents don't ever take the time to find out how those who were injured have fared.

A comment on Compensation for Tornado Hero after Workers Compensation Denial

Ken Robert — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:17:36 GMT

This certainly is good news, thank you for the follow-up on Mr. Lindquist's case. It certainly is encouraging that Accident Fund Insurance Company of America 'saw the light' and decided to do the right thing, reverse their initial decision and now cover his expenses.

A comment on Tornado Hero Denied Workers Compensation

Doug Landau — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:57:49 GMT

The Insurance Company has reversed itself and said it WILL COVER Mr. Lindquist's Workers Compensation claim after initially denying it.

See our post of October 26, 2011

A comment on Tornado Hero Denied Workers Compensation

Doug Landau — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:56:22 GMT

Update from the Missouri Trial Lawyers Association ("MATA"):

The family of this Tornado hero know that they have the full weight of MATA behind them. I'll keep you posted as we know more.

Jeannie Brandstetter
Public Affairs Coordinator
Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
573.635.5215

A comment on Tornado Hero Denied Workers Compensation

Doug Landau — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:52:34 GMT

Brett: This is great news. I hope that the Missouri Trial Lawyers' "Emergency Response Team" is able to help Mr. Lindquist and his family. I have heard that they are already in communication. Perhaps they can show the workers compensation insurance company the error of its ways and help secure benefits for this Tornado hero.

A comment on Tornado Hero Denied Workers Compensation

Doug Landau — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:51:48 GMT

MATA is the first state Trial Lawyers Association in the country to partner with the Red Cross to provide legal services to disaster victims. The MATA Emergency Response Team (ERT) has had an ongoing presence in Joplin, Missouri since the Tornado earlier this year.

This person should contact MATA to coordinate assistance. I’ve copied the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers ("MATA") on this as well.

Brett A. Emison, Injury Board member