San Bernardino Legal Blog

While many people in California can readily list several occupations that may be risky, there are multiple others that are overlooked. For example, workers who are required to cut trees are often at great risk of injury while they use heavy, potentially dangerous machinery at great heights. Unfortunately, such a worker in another state recently lost his life in a work-related accident.

The incident happened during the morning hours of a day in late August. According to reports, the victim was a 59-year-old man whose identity was not released in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Reports indicate that the man was in a boom lift bucket cutting the branch of a tree at the time the accident happened.

All occupations hold the potential of risk to workers. When most people think of work-related injuries, however, the first thing that comes to mind are often single accidents that occur and cause obvious physical harm, such as a broken leg. While these types of injuries are concerning and create financial complications, there are some repetitive motion injuries suffered at work that may be more insidious. Though victims in California are likely entitled to workers' compensation insurance benefits, many have difficulty getting their claim improved.

Repetitive motions injuries are caused by frequently performing the same motions. Though they may take time to develop, this type of injury is the most commonly reported injury related to work and can be both disabling and painful. Conditions include bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. 

The typical summertime wildfires in California are particularly severe this year. However, it is not only the wildfire fighters who are at risk of smoke inhalation and other fire-related injuries and illnesses. Workers in the affected areas face similar risks. When smoke gets airborne, it can travel far beyond the fire zone. Fires consume all kinds of chemicals, and the smoke contains dangerous gases and toxic particles.

Workers who inhale the smoke risk serious health consequences. However, those with asthma or other lung diseases, chest pain or heart disease are at higher risks of health damage. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has specific safety regulations applicable in the extended zones affected by wildfires.

If you are a security guard in Southern California, you put your life on the line to protect others and their property. Lone workers typically face unique hazards. If you work the night shift, the dangers you face escalate significantly.

Security guards more or less advertise that they are there to protect valuable property. This makes you a prime target for vandals and thieves who want to get to whatever you guard. The nature of your job means isolation and no readily available assistance in emergencies, illness or injury. Furthermore, you might not have contact with your employer, supervisor or co-workers throughout most of your shifts.