Philip J. Fulton

OSHA significantly increases safety compliance inspections

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

In an effort to keep America's workforce safe, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has increased the number of workplace inspections and compliance assistance. In 2019, the agency has performed more inspections than the previous three years, bringing the yearly total to 33,401. The inspections performed found violations related to multiple areas, including chemical exposure, trenching, silica, falls, and other hazards.

Through its safety training programs, a record 1,392,611 workers were educated on proper safety measures and health requirements. The goal is to help employers, especially small businesses, ensure a safe working environment for their employees.

Don't overlook work safety during the holiday season

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

When you go to work, you have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety. This means you should know the things that could potentially cause you harm, but there are certain factors and hazards that may be more prominent during the holiday season. Holiday safety should be a priority in every type of workplace, no matter what type of job you have.

One of the primary safety concerns during the holidays is distraction. People are busy, stressed and worried about everything from family issues to money. They may carry these things over into the workplace, leading to a higher chance of an accident. Your Ohio employer should be vigilant about enforcing safety standards, and you may find it helpful to look for certain things that could pose a risk to your health and well-being.

Immediate SSD claim approval is possible

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Friday, December 6, 2019.

Most people are not aware that the Social Security Administration has what is known as a Compassionate Allowances list. These are conditions that are determined to be so severe that they warrant immediate Social Security disability claim approval.

In such cases, there are usually significant medical records providing objective evidence of medical issues usually expected to end in premature, sometimes rapid, death. They include various types of cancers, such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, acute leukemia, and adrenal cancer. They also include blood disorders, neurological disorders, brain cancers and certain autoimmune diseases. The Social Security Administration website offers a full listing of qualifying conditions.

Potential legal options after a work-related death occurs

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Everyone in Ohio expects to come home safe from work each day. That is why when a death occurs at the workplace, the shock for loved ones left behind can be substantial. Such an incident is oftentimes nothing short of a catastrophe for surviving family members, both emotionally and financially. When these tragic circumstances arise, families in Ohio need to know their potential legal options.

Work-related deaths can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Many of our readers probably think that the construction and industrial sectors have a higher chance of a workplace death occurring, and they are probably right. However, each year in America thousands of workers die on the job in many different professions. Sometimes even seemingly safe jobs can present dangers to workers.

Roadway construction zones have a high rate of accidents

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace accidents on Thursday, November 21, 2019.

When most people think of what types of jobs involve the highest risk for workplace accidents, they probably think of jobs that involve construction and the use of heavy machinery, and rightfully so. These types of jobs do indeed come with an increased risk of potential workplace accidents and resulting worker injuries. Roadside construction zones, according to a recent report, have a very high rate of accidents.

According to the report, in Ohio last year there were 4,600 motor vehicle accidents in construction zones. Not only does this put drivers and their passengers in danger, but it also places roadside construction workers at a higher risk of being injured in the aftermath of such a car accident. These construction workers are oftentimes only protected by the placement of reflective barrels to mark off the construction zone or, in the best-case scenarios, by concrete barriers. Nevertheless, the danger of being hurt by a car accident that takes place nearby is very real for these construction workers.

Forklift safety is critical in warehouse work

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Thursday, November 14, 2019.

Warehouse work is one of the most dangerous occupations to have. While you may be among those who find the work exhilarating, you are also well aware that a tragic accident can occur in a moment of carelessness.

Ideally, safety is the motto of your Ohio employer. This means your employer complies with laws requiring thorough training and testing for anyone who will be operating a forklift in your warehouse. Injuries from forklift accidents can be catastrophic if not fatal. It is critical that you understand the risks and the steps you can take to keep yourself and your coworkers safe on the job.

The right approach to qualifying for SSD benefits

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Qualifying for SSD/SSI Benefits on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

Injured workers in Ohio have a number of concerns, tops of which are recovering their health and how they will earn an income if they can't return to work for an extended period of time. These concerns can consume an injured worker's everyday life. When they find out that they might qualify to receive Social Security Disability benefits, it can seem like a ray of light. However, most people know that qualifying to receive SSD benefits can be an uphill climb.

This thought can, unfortunately, make people think that it isn't even worth it to apply for SSD benefits. They might just automatically assume that their application will be rejected. But, that isn't always the case. The best approach to qualifying for SSD benefits is to get the right information and thoroughly review the eligibility criteria.

The dangers you could face if you work in health care

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

When you go to work in the morning, you are probably not considering the various ways you could suffer an injury at some point in the day. If you work in health care, however, you actually face certain risks every time you show up for work. It's in your interests to know how to stay safe and what you can do in case you do experience an injury.

Health care workers go into this profession because they want to heal and support people who cannot help themselves. This is noble, but it often comes at great personal cost to these individuals when they are on the job. If you are an Ohio doctor, nurse or other types of health care professional, you could face risks associated with everything from toxic exposure to violent patients.

The impact of workplace injuries in America

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace injuries on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Many of our previous posts here have described the difficulties that workers face when they are injured on the job and can't return to work for an extended period of time. They often face financial hardship in addition to physical limitation and the need for extensive medical and rehabilitative care. But, what is the overall impact of workplace injuries in America?

According to the National Safety Council, the impact is significant. NSC statistics point to the alarming frequency with which workplace injuries occur in America: one every seven seconds. That equals approximately 4,600,000 worker injuries per year. Of course, the severity of these injuries varies significantly, as does their cause. NSC statistics show that the most common types of workplace injuries are cuts and punctures, soreness or other pain, and strains and sprains. Some of the most common causes of these injuries are overexertion, being struck or caught by equipment or other objects, and slips and falls.

What are some of the most common questions about SSD benefits?

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Most people in Ohio are used to going to work everyday to earn income to support themselves and their families. So, when an injury or illness prevents them from doing so, the impact on the family's finances can be devastating. Fortunately, the Social Security Disability system is in place to help Ohio residents who are unable to continue to work and earn an income. But, unfortunately, the process of getting approved to receive SSD benefits can be somewhat complex.

So, what are some of the most common questions about Social Security Disability benefits? Probably the most common question is who is eligible to receive these benefits? As a recent news article detailed, the eligibility requirements imposed by the Social Security Administration are quite strict. Only those who have the requisite amount of "work credits" - time working in the American workforce - will be eligible, and those individuals must have a disability that is serious enough that it is expected to last 12 months or longer, or result in death. The disability must prevent applicants from being able to work in any meaningful way to earn a solid income.