A recently published standard establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of disease transmission by exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations.
Showing posts with label Occupational disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Occupational disease. Show all posts
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Monday, June 20, 2022
The Toxic Legacy of Ford Motor Company
The State of New Jersey is suing Ford Motor Company [FMC] for environmental pollution due to dumping its toxic waste in Ringwood, New Jersey. FMC operated a huge assembly plant in Mahwah, New Jersey, from 1955 through June 1980.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Health Care Experts Discuss a COVID Second Wave
How do we know when the second wave is starting? What should we expect? These are only two of the questions Dr. Chad Kessler, National Program Director for VHA Emergency Medicine, asked during a recent COVID in 20 interview with VA Infectious Disease and Epidemiology wizards, Michael A. Gelman, M.D., Ph.D., and Gio Baracco, M.D., from James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York and Miami VA Healthcare System in Miami, Florida respectively.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
OSHA Steps Backwards on COVID-19 Occupational Exposures
On Friday, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration [OSHA] announced a policy minimizing occupational exposure to COVID-19 exposures and disease in the workplace. The policy contradicts the nationals patchwork of state Workers’ Compensation Acts that have statutorily included occupational exposure to infectious disease as a work-related and compensable illness.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
NJ Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Protect First Responders, Including 9/11 Volunteers
On July 8, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed A4882 and S716 into law, which will enhance protections for first responders, including those who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites.
“Thousands of courageous volunteers put their lives on the line in order to save those affected by the devastation of 9/11,” said Governor Murphy. “We will never forget their selfless acts of heroism, just as we will always be grateful for the first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. Today we send a clear message to all of our heroes: We have your back. I am proud to sign legislation that will ensure the health benefits and compensation that these incredible men and women deserve.”
A4882, also known as “the Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act,” is named after Lieutenant Bill Ricci, a professional firefighter in Clifton, Passaic County, who volunteered to serve at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant Ricci was ineligible for an accidental disability retirement under previously existing law. However, through this act, members and retirees who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, like Lieutenant Ricci, will be eligible to receive accidental disability retirement. This act will also create an exception to the normal five-year filing requirement for 9/11-related operations.
S716, also known as “the Thomas P. Canzanella First Century First Responders Protection Act,” is named after Deputy Chief Thomas P. Canzanella, a former Hackensack firefighter and advocate who served at Ground Zero after 9/11. Deputy Chief Canzanella, who was an IAFF state representative, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50. In 2016, Governor Christie absolute vetoed a previous version of this bill.
Under previously existing law, first responders and firefighters had the burden of proving causation for their illnesses, which often required a significant expense of time and resources. This new law reforms New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law to create a rebuttable presumption of coverage for public safety workers for certain illnesses. For firefighters, those with seven or more years of service who suffer an injury, illness or death caused by certain types of medical conditions would not be required to demonstrate causation or exposure before receiving medical benefits and financial compensation. Other first responders, including first-aid or rescue squad members, police, corrections officers, nurses, medical technicians, and other medical personnel, are also not required to demonstrate causation of illnesses, but are required to provide evidence of exposure.
“The Labor Department works hard to ensure that workers receive all the benefits they are entitled to under the law, and this is especially true for our first-responders,” said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “I’m proud to see that New Jersey’s brave men and women on the front lines, who run toward danger to keep the rest of us safe, will now have access to benefits if they become sick or disabled as a result of their heroism on 9/11, and will be taken care of in any future emergency.”
“I am glad that the lawmakers were able to come together on this so quickly to help us,” said Lieutenant Bill Ricci, City of Clifton Firefighter. “It’s great how there were changes made on the fly to help more people as they became aware of the need. Hopefully, only a few will require this legislation, but it’s here now to help all that need it.”
“My family is so honored and so grateful to stand here today. It’s been a very long 12 years without him but to see that this work is going to help so many people is just so powerful,” said Allison Canzanella, daughter of Thomas P. Canzanella. “And, I’m just so proud to be his daughter every single day. Thank you.”
“Today, with the signing of the “Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act,” Firefighters, first responders, public safety workers, and their families in New Jersey will benefit in the event of an injury, illness or death in the performance of their duties,” said Dominick Marino, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “On behalf of the PFANJ Executive Board, its members, and their families, I want to thank Assemblywomen Quijano and Senator Greenstein for sponsoring and working to get the “Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act” passed and thank Governor Murphy for signing it into law.”
“The IAFF is proud to see New Jersey recognizing the dangers of occupational cancer our members encounter,” said Harold Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “The “Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act” will help care for fire fighters who are sick as a result of doing their duty of protecting their community.”
“It is time that we the citizens of New Jersey protect our police and fire as they protect us. The signing of these 2 bills is a beginning of this endeavor,” said Robert Fox, President of the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police. “I thank the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate for their actions to get these bills signed into law.”
“With the signing of these bills today, Governor Murphy and the Legislature guarantee the brave men and women who answered the call on 9/11 are not forgotten,” said Pat Colligan, President of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. “Those officers who bravely went into harm’s way and have dealt with the health consequences now have the reassurance they will be covered. I want to thank the Governor and Legislature for assuring our heroes that they are not abandoned.”
“The NJFMBA thanks the Governor and Legislature for moving this important legislation and signing them in Jersey City,” said Wayne Wolk, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey State Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association. “Seventeen years ago, our elected officials promised to never forget the sacrifices first responders made on September 11th and the weeks and months that followed. Today, our elected officials showed that here in New Jersey, they keep their promises.”
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work in getting this bill passed, including the Governor, the Legislature, and most of all, the brave responders who answered the call on 9/11,” said Dr. Iris Udasin, Medical Director of the World Trade Center Clinic, Rutgers’ Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute.
Primary sponsors of A4882, also known as, “the Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act,” include Assemblymembers James Kennedy, Jamel Holley, and Andrew Zwicker, and Senators Nicholas Scutari and Joseph Lagana.
“When police and firefighters in New Jersey received word that two planes had struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, many of them didn’t hesitate before responding to the scene, even though they were not specifically ordered to go,” said Assemblyman James Kennedy. “Unfortunately, some suffered permanent or total disability. Due to the fact that they responded as volunteers, they have not been entitled to the same compensation as their counterparts who were considered to be ‘on the job’ that day. This law changes that.”
All of the heroic men and women who responded to Ground Zero deserve our utmost respect and admiration, regardless of whether they were on the clock,” said Assemblyman Jamel Holley. “They all saw the same terror, took the same risks, and worked towards the same goal. If their health has been affected in the time since, they all should be eligible for the same disability allowance.”
“Our country is still feeling the effects of 9/11 today. The impact on those who were there – particularly our first responders – remains even more prevalent,” said Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker. “We can go further to honor our first responders by ensuring they are recognized and compensated for their service on 9/11, voluntary or otherwise. They deserve nothing less.”
“Many of these brave men and women are suffering from serious illnesses traced back to their efforts at Ground Zero,” said Senator Nicholas Scutari. “This law will provide much needed financial support for these individuals whose health was drastically effected when they heroically put their country first on 9/11.”
“In the aftermath of 9/11, first responders from our state displayed absolute heroism, facing fear and uncertainty head-on. Now, these brave individuals will finally be able to receive the increased benefits of accidental disability they deserve,” said Senator Joseph Lagana. “This is an easy decision to make to help our resident heroes who are facing medical conditions related to the Ground Zero cleanup. Guaranteeing these benefits is the least we can do for these brave men and women.”
Primary sponsors of S716, also known as, “the Thomas P. Canzanella First Century First Responders Protection Act,” include Senators Linda Greenstein, Christopher Bateman, and Joseph Lagana, and Assemblymembers Anette Quijano, Daniel Benson, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.
“First-responders should not have to fight to receive treatment or compensation related to on-the-job exposure to toxins and pathogens,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “This law recognizes that symptoms of illnesses may not be immediate and ensures that no matter when symptoms occur, our emergency personnel are protected.”
“First responders run towards danger with the sole goal of saving lives. We have already seen far too many pay a price for that heroic sacrifice. We need to ensure these heroes get the medical care they earned in the line of duty,”said Senator Christopher Kip Bateman. “This law is the least we can do to thank the bravest among us for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.”
“These workers are our first line of defense. Their jobs are not only stressful, they are dangerous,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. “This new law ensures that public safety workers are adequately covered if they suffer a debilitating illness or worse related to their duties at work.”
“Public safety workers expose themselves to dangerous situations that could prove debilitating and even deadly,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson. “Most importantly, the work can be a significant health hazard. Our workers deserve comparable coverage.”
“These workers put their lives on the line for the safety of others,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “They should never have to question whether they will be compensated accordingly for the sacrifices that they make.”
…. Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900jon@gelmans.com has been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Trump Administration May Bring a Surge in Occupational Disease Claims
Mesothelioma death rates remain high in the US even on the eve of an anticipated national ban of the asbestos fiber. Things may radically change for the worse as the Trump Administration goes forward with its announced intention to dismantle environmental regulation now in place and placed on-track for enactment during the former Obama Administration. With anticipated less EPA and OSHA regulation under the Trump administration, there is the potential for a serious surge of future occupational disease claims in the United States.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Lead: Bringing it Home From Work
NIOSH reports that homes may be contaminated by toxic substances such as lead when employees bring home the contaminates. Bystander exposure occurs when employees bring home toxic substances on their bodies, clothing or other objects. Lead affects the developing nervous system of children, and no safe blood lead level (BLL) in children has been identified:
Friday, July 18, 2014
Guangzhou court rejects shipyard workers’ occupational disease lawsuit
| A Guangzhou court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by 34 shipyard workers who claimed their employer, CSSC Guangzhou Longxue Shipbuilding Co. Ltd, had colluded with its affiliated hospital to conceal the results of health checks which should have revealed the early stages of the deadly lung disease pneumoconiosis. The Liwan District Court ruled that the workers did not prove they’d had their medical checks done at the Guangzhou Shipbuilding Factory Hospital between 2009 and 2011, and said that their current medical condition had nothing to do with the medical test results in the past.  Some of the workers (left) described the verdict as “total bullshit” and said they would meet their lawyers to discuss an appeal. The case originated in November 2012, when one worker left the company and did his final medical check-up at the Guangzhou Shipbuilding Factory Hospital. The results showed no abnormalities on his lungs but just seven days later when he went to a local hospital that specialized in occupational disease, he was promptly diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. When news of the worker’s test results started to spread, many of his co-workers followed suit and got tested independently. Eventually, 23 workers were diagnosed with suspected pneumoconiosis. Most of the workers were welders who had worked for many years in cramped, dust-filled ship compartments. The appalling working conditions were revealed on a Guangzhou television news program last year, which... |
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Wah, Wah, Wah
At least that's the message that I got out of the latest study from researchers at National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in their study just published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. According to them, accepted workers' compensation claims that do not result in medical payments could be costing group health insurers at least $212 million a year because folks who don't get their treatment through work comp for their work injuries or illnesses do so through their group health provider. Claims that do not result in medical payments through work comp are referred to as "zero-cost claims" in the study. The researchers' analysis of more than 12,000 claims from 2002 through 2005 revealed that 15.9% of the claims were zero-cost claims. Claimants with zero-cost claims were more likely to use group health insurance services and incur more group health costs. "In the three months before an occupational injury, 53.9% of workers with positive-cost workers' compensation medical claims and 61.6% of workers with zero-cost workers' compensation medical claims used the outpatient group health insurance at least once," the study says. "Within three months after an occupational injury, group health insurance utilization for outpatient services increased to 61.2% and 74.1% for workers with positive- and zero-cost workers' compensation medical claims, respectively." In addition, one of the study's most significant findings... |
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Exclusivity Doctrine Not a Bar to Asbestos Claim Against an Employer Directly If Late Manifestation
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court permitted a civil action to go forward against an employer where the employee was exposed to asbestos fiber and contracted mesothelioma. The Court ruled that the latent manifestation, after the 300 week statutory period had lapsed and the Exclusivity Doctrine was not applicable.
The court held, "that claims for occupational disease which manifests outside of the 300-week period prescribed by the Act do not fall within the purview of the Act, and, therefore, that the exclusivity provision of Section 303(a) does not apply to preclude an employee from filing a common law claim against an employer."
Tooley v AK Steel Corporation
No. 21 WAO 2011, No. 22 WAP 20111, No. 23 WAP 2011
2013 Pa. LEXIS 2816
Decided: November 22, 2013
Ed Note: My thanks to Judge David B. Torrey for sharing this decision. Note the reference in the Dissenting Opinion of Mr. Justice Saylor:
"8 David B. Torrey & Andrew E. Greenberg, Pennsylvania
Workers' Compensation Law & Practice §14.10 (3d ed. 2011) (expressing that Section 301(c)(2)'s time
limitation constitutes a "substantive prerequisite to ascertainment of the compensability," intended
to "establish, via arbitrary time basis, some outside limit to govern the potential [*64] liability of the
employer"). Accordingly, I would hold that the 300-week limitation in Section 301(c)(2) has no effect on
whether a worker's occupational disease comes within the WCA's coverage. As such, the exclusivity
mandate appearing in Section 303(a) of the statute applies, in my view, to preclude Plaintiffs from
maintaining a negligence-based lawsuit against Employers.16"
The court held, "that claims for occupational disease which manifests outside of the 300-week period prescribed by the Act do not fall within the purview of the Act, and, therefore, that the exclusivity provision of Section 303(a) does not apply to preclude an employee from filing a common law claim against an employer."
Tooley v AK Steel Corporation
No. 21 WAO 2011, No. 22 WAP 20111, No. 23 WAP 2011
2013 Pa. LEXIS 2816
Decided: November 22, 2013
Ed Note: My thanks to Judge David B. Torrey for sharing this decision. Note the reference in the Dissenting Opinion of Mr. Justice Saylor:
"8 David B. Torrey & Andrew E. Greenberg, Pennsylvania
Workers' Compensation Law & Practice §14.10 (3d ed. 2011) (expressing that Section 301(c)(2)'s time
limitation constitutes a "substantive prerequisite to ascertainment of the compensability," intended
to "establish, via arbitrary time basis, some outside limit to govern the potential [*64] liability of the
employer"). Accordingly, I would hold that the 300-week limitation in Section 301(c)(2) has no effect on
whether a worker's occupational disease comes within the WCA's coverage. As such, the exclusivity
mandate appearing in Section 303(a) of the statute applies, in my view, to preclude Plaintiffs from
maintaining a negligence-based lawsuit against Employers.16"
….
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.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Occupational pulmonary case dismissed by court for lack of evidence
A New Jersey Appellate Court dismissed an occupational pulmonary claim for lack of credible evidence. The court reversed an award of 5% permanent partial pulmonary disability of a claim filed by employee loaded and unloaded baggage for US Airways.
In its decision, the court found that there was a lack of credible evidence proving both exposure as well as medical findings and factual evidence that would be able to meet the criteria to establish a claim for an occupational disability. The worker alleges that between 1987 and 2008 he worked in areas that lacked ventilation and there was an exposure to two fumes.
The petitioner testified that his condition did not affect his ability to work and that he was able to volunteer for overtime work. Over the 10 years that the claimant worked for the employer he did not report a condition to his employer, did not seek medical treatment from an allergist or a pulmonologist.
Furthermore, the medical expert who testified on behalf of of the petitioner, Dr. Malcolm Hermele, relied only upon x-ray findings demonstrating"Increased interstitial markings," and pulmonary function testing. There were no clinical signs by way of wheezing, rales or rhonchi.
Respondents medical expert, Dr. Benjamin Saperstein, reported that the physical examination of the petitioner was "perfectly normal." Dr. Saperstein also testified that Dr. Hermele’s X-ray was of poor quality.
In reviewing the record below, the appellate tribunal, concluded that the judges decision below lacked credible findings to sustain a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits. The court focused upon the statutory authority of N.J.S.A. 34:15-36 that defines permanent disability and quality impartially character."Injuries such as minor lacerations, minor contusions, minor springs, and scars which do not constitute significant disfigurement, an occupational disease of the minor nature such as mild dermatitis and mild bronchitis show not constitute permanent disability within the meaning of this definition.”
The court relied upon the sentinel case of Fiore v. Consolidated Freightways, 140 NJ 452, 470 (1995) we're in the New Jersey Supreme Court interpret the occupational disease definition as established under N.J.S.A. 34:15-31, as "designated to compensate "diseases arising out of the workplace, and not the ordinary diseases of life.”
Anthony DiFrabrizio v US Airways, ___A.3d___, 2013 WL 601534 (NJ App. Div. 2013) docket number 8-1497-12T4
Andrea Graf, Esq. (Appellant-US Airways)
Ricky E. Bagolie, Eq. (Appellant-Anthony DiFrabrizio)
….
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.
Monday, September 2, 2013
A Victory for Silica Dust Exposed Workers?
 Today, after a much-criticized delay on issuing a rule to limit workers' exposure to cancer-causing silica dust, the Obama administration put forward a proposed rule for public consideration. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that once the rule is in effect, it could save 700 lives a year and prevent nearly 1,600 cases of silicosis annually. In an OSHA press release, Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, commented, "Exposure to silica can be deadly, and limiting that exposure is essential. Every year, exposed workers not only lose their ability to work, but also to breathe. This proposal is expected to prevent thousands of deaths from silicosis—an incurable and progressive disease—as well as lung cancer, other respiratory diseases and kidney disease. We're looking forward to public comment on the proposal." Workplace safety advocates applauded the decision. In a press release issued by the non-profit National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, executive director Tom O'Conner noted that workers who are most exposed to silica tend to be those least able to advocate for themselves. "Low-wage immigrant workers and temporary workers are disproportionally represented in the industries with silica exposure—and are the most vulnerable to retaliation should they report potential hazards, injuries or illnesses," O'Conner said. "This new rule will... |
….
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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Saturday, April 13, 2013
Occupational Illnesses Continue to Unnecessarily Kill Workers
A recent Letter to the Editor in the New York Times focuses on the fact that US workers continue to suffer from fatal occupational diseases and illness that are avoidable.
Commenting on the feature article exposing the need to great enforcement of safety measures by OSHA, Tom O'Connor, Executive Director, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, stated: "While nearly 5,000 workers die on the job each year, an estimated 50,000 more develop an occupational illness. Yet despite this toll, the federal government sits on rules that could help prevent workers from developing occupational illnesses. A proposed rule that would prevent workers from being exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust on the job has remained mired at the Office of Management and Budget for more than two years."
Click here to read the entire letter: LETTER Rules on Worker Health, Tom O'Connor Should Your Job Kill You?
Commenting on the feature article exposing the need to great enforcement of safety measures by OSHA, Tom O'Connor, Executive Director, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, stated: "While nearly 5,000 workers die on the job each year, an estimated 50,000 more develop an occupational illness. Yet despite this toll, the federal government sits on rules that could help prevent workers from developing occupational illnesses. A proposed rule that would prevent workers from being exposed to dangerous levels of silica dust on the job has remained mired at the Office of Management and Budget for more than two years."Click here to read the entire letter: LETTER Rules on Worker Health, Tom O'Connor Should Your Job Kill You?
Read more about "occupational illness" and workers' compensation:
Mar 18, 2011
Fire fighters in Canada are supporting legislation that would establish a legal presumption that breast cancer is an occupationally related illness. The legislation also creates a presumption that 3 other cancers (skin, prostate ...
Mar 31, 2013
A just published study reports that only 25% of occupational disease claims are covered by US workers' compensation programs. Click here to read the entire report: Economic Burden of Occupational Injury and Illness in the .
Mar 05, 2010
Alice in Wonderland has been released in the movie theaters today. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been quick to remind us of the Mad Hatter and mercury exposures. "Society has made ...
Mar 17, 2011
In a series of articles, Celeste Monforton discusses the absence in the U.S. of a comprehensive system for surveillance of occupational illnesses sand disease. Citing the the U.S. Surgeon General in 1965 that..."it is almost ...
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
An Emerging Health Consequence of Fracking: Silica Exposure
Sand produced while fracking is becoming a major health issue for energy workers throughout the country. The intransigency of the Obama Administration to promulgate regulations is further complication the situation and jeopardizing the workers' health.
Silicosis is one of the oldest recognized compensable workers' compensation occupational diseases. In fact, it pre-dated the and was the genesis for the expansion of many occupational statutes to reduce employers' liability under the civil justice system. The Industry effort was an attempt to reduce costly liability verdicts for exposing workers to the hazards of silica.
"Peg Seminario, director of safety and health with the AFL-CIO, a group of unions that has been pushing for stronger silica regulation, says the situation with fracking is a wake-up call.
"'Hopefully it will give some impetus for the need for the silica regulation — that there is a whole other population at risk and those numbers are potentially growing,' says Seminario."
Silicosis is one of the oldest recognized compensable workers' compensation occupational diseases. In fact, it pre-dated the and was the genesis for the expansion of many occupational statutes to reduce employers' liability under the civil justice system. The Industry effort was an attempt to reduce costly liability verdicts for exposing workers to the hazards of silica."Peg Seminario, director of safety and health with the AFL-CIO, a group of unions that has been pushing for stronger silica regulation, says the situation with fracking is a wake-up call.
"'Hopefully it will give some impetus for the need for the silica regulation — that there is a whole other population at risk and those numbers are potentially growing,' says Seminario."
Sunday, March 31, 2013
OSHA Needs To Be Strengthened
If workplaces were safer then there would be no reason to have a workers' compensation program at all. OSHA, The Occupational Safety and Head Health Administration (OSHA), does just that, but its enforcement powers are lacking.
"OSHA devotes most of its budget and attention to responding to here-and-now dangers rather than preventing the silent, slow killers that, in the end, take far more lives. Over the past four decades, the agency has written new standards with exposure limits for 16 of the most deadly workplace hazards, including lead, asbestos and arsenic. But for the tens of thousands of other dangerous substances American workers handle each day, employers are largely left to decide what exposure level is safe.
***
“"I’m the first to admit this [OSHA] is broken,' said David Michaels, the OSHA director, referring to the agency’s record on dealing with workplace health threats. 'Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people end up on the gurney.'"
OSHA was created legislatively by Congress in 1970. In the years following The National
Commission on Workmen's Compensation Laws in 1972 reported that safety should be encouraged, and that, "....Economic incentives in the program should reduce the number of work-related· injuries
and diseases."
Today, The New York Times reports that "Occupational illness and injuries ....cost the American economy $250 Billion per year due to medical expenses and lost productivity."
 |
| English: A picture of David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
***
“"I’m the first to admit this [OSHA] is broken,' said David Michaels, the OSHA director, referring to the agency’s record on dealing with workplace health threats. 'Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people end up on the gurney.'"
Click here to read the complete article, As OSHA Emphasizes Safety, Long-Term Health Risks Fester
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
EPA Provides Funding Community Groups to Educate About River Contamination from Abandoned Industrial Facilities
Many of the toxic substances that companies dumped in to the Passaic River have resulted in occupational illnesses that have taken decades to manifest. Claims for industrially-induced occupational diseases are probably the greatest economic burden upon the compensation system at this time. The epidemiological predictions of the manifestation of occupational disease in the 21st century are for numbers of "epidemic" proportion.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing a $60,000 grant to the Ironbound Community Corporation, a community organization in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, to educate the community about the history and ecology of the Passaic River and what can be done to protect it. The funding is part of the EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports community efforts to restore and revitalize local canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and ocean areas and provide access to them. The Ironbound Community Corporation is the largest comprehensive social service provider in the area.
"Urban waterways like the Passaic River have been battered by toxic and sewage pollution for too long," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. "By providing these grants, the EPA is supporting efforts to educate the public about the history of the Passaic River and the need to work together to clean it up.”
The Ironbound Community Corporation will offer a series of river tours and “walkshops” to introduce Newark residents to the Passaic River’s history and ecosystem. The programs will include a series of walks along the river’s edge to celebrate the river and educate participants about what they can do to improve the river. The Ironbound Community Corporation will also produce a Back to the River brochure and map depicting the history and current state of the Lower Passaic River.
Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help local businesses grow and enhance educational, recreational, employment and economic opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban waterways, the EPA is helping communities become active participants in restoration and protection.
Through the Urban Waters program, the EPA is awarding grants ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 to 46 organizations throughout the nation. The projects selected for the funding will promote the restoration of urban waters through community engagement and outreach, water quality monitoring and studies, and environmental education and training. To view a list of the grant recipients, visit: http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding.Information on the EPA’s Urban Waters program: http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/index.html.
Information on the Urban Waters Federal Partnership: http://urbanwaters.gov/.
....
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.
More Blogs About the Passaic river Pollution
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.
More Blogs About the Passaic river Pollution
Jun 21, 2012
Seventy Companies Reach Agreement with EPA to Remove Highly Contaminated Mud from Lyndhurst Section of the Passaic River; Cleanup work estimated to cost $20 million. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ...
May 09, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will discuss plans to address high levels of contaminants, including PCBs, mercury and dioxin, which are present in Passaic River mud adjacent to Riverside Park in Lyndhurst, New ...
Feb 28, 2012
In 2010, new pollutants were included for waters in the basins of the Hudson River, the Passaic River, the Raritan River, the Delaware Bay, and others. The EPA will continue to work with state and local governments to ensure ...
Dec 28, 2011
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Creamer Sanzari Joint Venture of Hackensack for seven alleged serious safety violations found at the Passaic River bridge project in ...
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Stephen Levin MD - Dies of Cancer
After the passing of Dr. Selikoff, Dr. Levin chaired the Environmental Sciences Department and maintained the archives of Dr. Selikoff. Dr. Levin was a leader and advocate for occupational disease research and treatment. His research work in post World Trade Center airborne toxins and disease build the foundation for the passage of the Zadroga 9-11 Health Benefits legislation enacted by Congress 14 months ago.
Joel Shufro, Executive Director of NYCOSH and Bill Henny, NYCOSH Board Chair, made the following statement, "He understood that the health of working people was directly tied to the health of the labor movement - that being organized into union or any other formation - was the first and most important step workers could take to protect their safety and health."
Stephen Levin championed the cause for helping victims of environmental and occupational disease. Ironically, like his predecessor, Dr. Selikoff, he also succumbed to cancer, the disease that they both battled against for others. Dr. Levin's will be sadly missed but his legacy will on.
See also:
Dr. Stephen Levin dead of cancer NY Daily News
"As the medical director of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Stephen Levin had long known how damaging airborne toxins were to unprotected lungs."
A memorial service will take place Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 4 p.m. at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine's Stern Auditorium, 1468 Madison Avenue (@ E. 100th Street, New York, NY 10029.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
MIssouri Mulls More Work Comp Reform
The Missouri legislature is again considering a number of proposals to change its workers’ compensation system. Every year brings various efforts to continue to ratchet down the benefits provided to injured workers, but this year is the first since 2005 that any change is expected. That year, extensive changes were passed, including a requirement that cases be construed "strictly" rather than liberally.
Strict construction has proven to be a two-edged sword, with courts recently strictly construing Missouri law to allow more civil lawsuits against fellow employees, and perhaps excluding occupational diseases from the workers’ compensation system and allowing them to proceed in the civil court system.
Legislation will almost certainly pass in the pro-business-dominated legislature to close these loopholes. What remains to be seen is whether the legislature will finally act to save the state’s second injury fund.
The 2005 legislation placed a hard cap on funding for the fund, which has left it nearly bankrupt. The fund stopped making settlement offers in 2009, but now is finding itself unable to pay arrearages on permanent total disability awards. Although numerous independent audits agree that lifting the cap would solve the problem, legislative proposals are focusing instead on limiting or eliminating the fund.
The legislature will have until its adjournment on May 13 to solve the problem, but will also be consumed with budgetary and other problems in the meantime.
B. Michael Korte practices in Kirkwood, Missouri (The Korte Law Firm). B. Michael Korte is the author of Missouri Practice Vol. 29, Workers Compensation Law and Practice. He previously served as president of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, and has been awarded its Outstanding Service Award. He previously served as president of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, and has been awarded its Outstanding Service Award. He frequently lectures statewide at seminars sponsored by the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation, bar associations, and other groups. He has served as the chair of the Missouri Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Committee and as President of Kids’ Chance, Inc., a workers compensation charity.
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