Category: Workers’ Compensation
Preventing Toxic Exposure in the Workplace
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the U.S. uses an excess of 86,000 types of chemicals to perform different tasks. For individuals who encounter chemical hazards and toxic substances in the workplace, this poses a unique health and safety risk. To protect these workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines and[…]
Proposed PA House Bill 930 Would Expand Coverage to Permanently Disfigured Workers
House Bill 930, formerly House Bill 2061, has been reintroduced by State Representative Dawkins. The Bill, which passed the House on May 2, 2023, was referred to Labor & Industry in April and amended the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act by expanding the benefits for permanent disfigurement. Workers’ Compensation benefits would cover scars below the neck,[…]
Pennsylvania Court Rules on Medical Marijuana: Employers Can Reimburse Employees
Earlier this month, a Pennsylvania state appellate court issued a pair of rulings declaring that employers are required to reimburse claimants for out-of-pocket costs for medical marijuana. The decision marks a legal milestone for injured workers who rely on state-approved medical cannabis to treat their work-related injuries and/or illnesses. A Brief Breakdown on Occupational Injuries[…]
Galfand Berger LLP Stands Ready to Help Victims of Fatal Work Explosions
On Friday, March 24, 2023, a catastrophic explosion occurred at a historic chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, killing at least 7 victims and leaving many others injured. Witnesses reported hearing a deafening explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company buildings at approximately 5 pm, immediately followed by visible flames. The fatal blast demolished the well-known[…]
March is Ladder Safety Month
March is National Ladder Safety Month. This event raises awareness of ladder safety with a goal of decreasing preventable ladder-related injuries and deaths. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, or InterNACHI, there are more than 164,000 injuries and 300 deaths caused by falls from ladders annually. The association also notes that many[…]