While clearing brush and trees from a power line right of way, a worker cut down a tree causing it to fall onto an energized overhead power line. When the power line fell to the ground, an electrical current passed to another worker near the work site. The affected worker received severe electrical burns and shock from contact with the electrical conductor.
There is a high incidence rate of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, back hoes, front-end loaders, and water trucks interfering or colliding with power line poles, damaging them and creating an extreme hazard to anyone in the vicinity.
As winter retreats and temperatures rise, there are more individuals working on roofs to remove snow. For some, this means working without the necessary fall protection. This poses a significant risk to individuals because serious or fatal injuries can occur from falling.
A worker was carrying a 5-gallon gas can and began to feel pain in their back. The worker continued to work for the remainder of the shift and felt the pain grow progressively worse the next day. The worker sought medical attention and was diagnosed with lower back strain. They missed six days of work due to the injury. The WSCC accepted a claim for medical treatment and compensation for time lost from work.
While renovating an older building, two workers were putting drywall on a ceiling, working from stepladders. They stopped for a break. One worker came down to chat with other co-workers. The other worker, a carpenter for four years, decided to stay on his ladder, and moved to sit on the top rung. While attempting to sit on the rung, the worker’s ladder twisted and moved suddenly, causing him to fall 4 feet to the concrete floor below. The worker landed on his back and sustained a severe blow to both his upper and lower back.
A young worker was using a meat-cutting machine in a deli when he heard a
noise behind him. He turned around to see where the noise was coming from.
The worker lost his focus and cut his finger on the machine blade.
The young worker reported the incident to the WSCC and it opened a claim. The
worker missed six days of work due to his injuries.
Smoke from a forest or dump fire can affect the surrounding community. It may contain a mixture of chemicals and fine particles that endanger human health. The types and amount of particles and chemicals in the smoke varies depending on what is burning, and the burn temperature. The health effects from the smoke may affect some people in the workplace more than others. People with heart or lung conditions, infants, young children, and the elderly are particularly at risk.
A worker, wearing safety glasses, is underneath a car changing the oil. Dirt falls from underneath the car onto the worker’s face. Dirt gets underneath the safety glasses and into his eyes.
Sometimes just wearing eye protection is not enough. It must be the right protection for what you are doing.