Climate significantly impacts workplace safety and health. As global warming increases, and changing weather patterns become more pronounced, workers’ compensation insurance systems will be stressed to limits never before imagined.
Since the inception of US workers’ compensation legislation almost a century ago, climate extremes have been causally related to compensable events in both a traumatic and occupational exposure setting. Whether it be periods of extreme temperatures or significant storm, i.e.. Hurricane Sandy, weather patterns are reaching new record breaking levels and causing increased levels of occupation injuries and illnesses already.
Showing posts with label Hurricane Sandy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurricane Sandy. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Mold: Free Class Shows Workers and Homeowners How to Deal It After Sandy
Workers have been exposed to toxic substances including mold following hurricane Sandy. The NJ Environmental Council is taking action to help. Today's post is shared from njtvonline.org where the video can be seen.
Nearly a year after the superstorm hammered the state, many of the hazards Sandy left behind still remain, posing a serious threat to those rebuilding.
“Well I think the biggest thing is that folks don’t realize this isn’t over. The reality is, is that we’re still having problems throughout the state. We have black mold, we have debris removal being done,” said American Federation of Teachers New Jersey Vice President Joyce Sagi. That’s why the New Jersey Work Environment Council is offering free training classes targeted for workers, volunteers and homeowners. “The takeaway for all of this is that we want people to do the work that they’re doing with clean-up and removal and rebuilding, safely,” said New Jersey Work Environment Council Communications Coordinator Janice Selinger. A main focus of today’s class — mold, a fungus that only takes 72 hours to grow in damp places. “But it’s gonna keep growing cause the way it reproduces, it sends off spores which are microscopic particles and wherever they land, they can start a new colony,” said Industrial Hygiene Consultant for the New Jersey Work Environment Council Fran Gillmore. Only about 10 percent of the population is... |
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Lung screening looks for lasting health effects from Hurricane Sandy
Denise Hansen says that ever since Hurricane Sandy struck 10 months ago, she’s always tired, has had a lung infection and contracted a cough she never had before. Exposed to mold for 7½ months even while she was displaced from her storm-ravaged home in Ortley Beach, Hansen wonders whether she’s developed what some are calling "Sandy Lung," from breathing in all kinds of unknown irritants unleashed by the storm. So Hansen, along with more than 100 others, showed up at Toms River High School East yesterday to participate in an extensive screening for potential respiratory problems suspected of being brought on or exacerbated by Sandy. "What also makes me nervous is they’re knocking homes down around me. I wonder what’s in the air," said Hansen, who was assured her lungs are clear. "Ten years from now, who knows? That’s what’s scary." Because thousands of people like Hansen who are rebuilding post-Sandy may have been exposed to mold, asbestos and other potential toxins, the Deborah Heart and Lung Center — with a $625,000 grant from the Robin Hood Relief Fund — has been conducting free respiratory screenings in Ocean County to try to head off serious illness in the future. After filling out a questionnaire, participants were directed to one of two folding tables where staff waited to take their blood pressure and slip a device on their index finger that uses light waves to measure the level of oxygen in their... |
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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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Friday, May 10, 2013
Forecasters Predict Increased Hurricane Activity Raising Concern for Worker Saftey
On the heels of last year's Superstorm, Hurricane Sandy, some of the nation's top storm forecasters are now predicting yet another year of above average storms. The dire prediction raises concerns over the prospects on ensuring worker safety, and whether the workers' compensation system is capable of delivering benefits in an efficient and effective manner during recurrent natural disasters.
"We anticipate that the 2013 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have enhanced
activity compared with the 1981-2010 climatology. The tropical Atlantic has anomalously warmed over the past several months, and it appears that the chances of an El Niño event this summer and fall are unlikely. We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much or how little activity is predicted."
Read the complete report: "EXTENDED RANGE FORECAST OF ATLANTIC SEASONAL HURRICANE ACTIVITY AND LANDFALL STRIKE PROBABILITY FOR 2013"
"We anticipate that the 2013 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have enhanced
Read the complete report: "EXTENDED RANGE FORECAST OF ATLANTIC SEASONAL HURRICANE ACTIVITY AND LANDFALL STRIKE PROBABILITY FOR 2013"
Thursday, January 10, 2013
OSHA posts results of sampling for contaminants at Sandy cleanup areas in New York and New Jersey
Employers reminded they must protect their workers from exposure to health hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has posted results of its initial industrial hygiene sampling of locations in New York and New Jersey where recovery work in connection with Hurricane Sandy is being performed. The results are posted on OSHA's website at: http://www.osha.gov/sandy/sample_results.html.
The purpose of the sampling is to measure potential or actual employee exposure to potential health hazards during recovery operations. Sampling was conducted in a variety of locations throughout the storm affected areas. The results of this first round of sampling show that while some contaminants were present, such as carbon monoxide, asbestos and silica, they have so far not exceeded any of OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits, which can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/pel/index.html.
"These initial results should not be taken by employers as an "all clear" signal regarding potential exposure to health hazards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "It is important that each employer continually ensure that workers are not overexposed. Employers can accomplish this by performing site assessments to determine potential hazards and institute effective measures to protect workers against exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, lead and mold."
OSHA will continue to conduct industrial hygiene monitoring on a rotating basis at various locations where recovery work is being performed. The results will be posted on OSHA's website. The monitoring is one element of OSHA's ongoing efforts to protect the safety and health of workers cleaning up after Sandy.
Since the storm struck, OSHA has been conducting daily briefings, safety and health field interventions and other outreach activities to identify and remove employees from hazards and to provide Sandy cleanup workers and employers with safety and health information. To date, OSHA has conducted over 4,400 briefings and interventions, reaching nearly 61,000 workers and employers performing recovery work in Sandy-impacted areas. OSHA's work is ongoing. Guidance, fact sheets and other information can be found on OSHA's Hurricane Sandy web page, located at www.osha.gov/sandy/.
The purpose of the sampling is to measure potential or actual employee exposure to potential health hazards during recovery operations. Sampling was conducted in a variety of locations throughout the storm affected areas. The results of this first round of sampling show that while some contaminants were present, such as carbon monoxide, asbestos and silica, they have so far not exceeded any of OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits, which can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/pel/index.html.
"These initial results should not be taken by employers as an "all clear" signal regarding potential exposure to health hazards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "It is important that each employer continually ensure that workers are not overexposed. Employers can accomplish this by performing site assessments to determine potential hazards and institute effective measures to protect workers against exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, lead and mold."
OSHA will continue to conduct industrial hygiene monitoring on a rotating basis at various locations where recovery work is being performed. The results will be posted on OSHA's website. The monitoring is one element of OSHA's ongoing efforts to protect the safety and health of workers cleaning up after Sandy.
Since the storm struck, OSHA has been conducting daily briefings, safety and health field interventions and other outreach activities to identify and remove employees from hazards and to provide Sandy cleanup workers and employers with safety and health information. To date, OSHA has conducted over 4,400 briefings and interventions, reaching nearly 61,000 workers and employers performing recovery work in Sandy-impacted areas. OSHA's work is ongoing. Guidance, fact sheets and other information can be found on OSHA's Hurricane Sandy web page, located at www.osha.gov/sandy/.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
NJ Supreme Tolls Statute of Limitations For 3 Weeks Due to Hurricane Sandy
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| Volunteers from Cruz Roja Mexicana hand out water and food to Hurricane Sandy survivors. Hoboken has a large Hispanic population and Spanish-speaking volunteers are in high demand here. Photo by Liz Roll/FEMA |
SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY
Because of the devastating impact
and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on the State of New Jersey, it is ORDERED that
in the computation of time periods under the Rules of Court and under any
statute of limitations, Monday, October 29, 2012 through Friday, November 16,
2012, for purposes of filing deadlines, shall be deemed the same as legal
holidays.
This tolling Order consolidates,
extends, and supersedes the separate Orders dated November 1, 2012 (which
covered October 29, 2012 through November 1, 2012); November 2, 2012 (which
covered November 2, 2012); and November 5, 2012 (which covered November 5,
2012).
/s/ Stuart Rabner
Chief Justice
Read more about "Hurricane Sandy"
Nov 06, 2012
Safety is a primary issue when you're recovering from a disaster. Follow these tips to help ensure your safety and cope with the disaster. If you aren't able to return home, states, tribes, localities, and the Red Cross continue to ...
Nov 05, 2012
NJ Hurricane Sandy Resources: Food, Water, Fuel, Hotels and Pharmacies. The NJ Regional Operational Intelligence Center has now posted a list of resources for victims suffering from Hurricane Sandy. FOOD Type Address ...
Nov 04, 2012
The path of destruction to buildings caused by hurricane Sandy has created a potential threat of deadly asbestos exposure. Many structures destroyed and damaged by the storm contained asbestos fiber and those were ...
Nov 01, 2012
We in New Jersey suffered devastating effects from Hurricane Sandy. The storm left a trail of decimation equivalent to the creation of a war zone, and some of most treacherous rescue and recovery situations ever imagined.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
US provides grant to aid New Jersey communities with recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy
Following President Obama’s call for federal agencies to act as quickly as possible to support state and local partners in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $15,591,400 National Emergency Grant to assist New Jersey with cleanup and recovery efforts. The announcement builds on the major disaster declaration for the state approved by President Obama in the last several days, which makes federal assistance, like these emergency relief funds, available to supplement state and local response and recovery efforts.
“The destruction caused by this massive storm overwhelmed communities and disrupted lives throughout the state of New Jersey,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Labor Department’s funding is part of the federal government’s collaborative efforts to ensure immediate emergency assistance.”
The funds are being awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment. Of the $15,591,400 announced today, $5,197,133 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.
On Oct. 30, the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. More information on designated disaster areas in New Jersey is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/affected-counties.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.
Sandy Interrupted
We in New Jersey suffered devastating effects from Hurricane Sandy. The storm left a trail of decimation equivalent to the creation of a war zone, and some of most treacherous rescue and recovery situations ever imagined.
Hopefully our heros who are working hard to help in the rescue and recovery efforts, and those residents who survived the storm, remain safe and sound, as they struggle in the days and weeks ahead.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Safety Tips for Workers Preparing For Hurricane Sandy
The NJ Office of Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center are closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy ("frankenstorm") as it has the potential to become an historic storm as it moves up the Eastern seaboard and will merge and embed with a developing
classic Northeastern rain and wind storm. Over 50 Million people will be impacted. A State of Emergency has now been declared in NJ, NY and MD.
A storm surge of 12 feet, historic proportions, has been predicted for NJ & NY.
A wide spread power loss has been predicted. NJ has issued an immediate warning concerning power generator safety and back-feeding of electric current through the use of generators. At a press conference Governor Christie warned the residents of NJ to be cautious and observe safety measures. He said "If it looks stupid, the it is stupid," and don't do it. Additionally, a High Wind Warnings have been issued for Northeastern NJ, NY and CT.
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NYC Bowling Green Station Entrance in Flood Prep
MTA New York City Transit preparations for Hurricane Sandy.
Photo: MTA New York City Transit / Leonard WigginsMayor Bloomberg held a press conference late Friday afternoon explaining what precautions the government was taking and what safety measures needed to be followed to protect life and property. He said, “....whenever we’re faced with a tough situation, history shows New Yorkers always show courage, compassion, and presence of mind. We did that 14 months ago, during Hurricane Irene, and I’m completely confident we will do that again now."
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| LIRR Workers Prepare The Track for the Hurricane |
While NIOSH has alerted all of us to the dangers of a hurricane, "....Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls."
Should a worker suffer any injuries then they should seek medical care at once, and report the incident to their employer. Prepare ahead and take your employer's contact information and workers' compensation insurance information with you so you are prepared to provide to authorities and your employer the facts to process your claim without delay.
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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