In January 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released some statistics that should be alarming to older workers in Minnesota. The BLS looked at the number of fatal occupational injuries between 1992 and 2017 and found that while it declined 17% overall, it actually...
Year: 2020
BLS: Older workers are dying on the job at an alarming rate
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has some data out on fatal occupational injuries that should be of interest to older workers in Minnesota. The BLS found that between 1992 and 2017, the fatal occupational injury rate went up a startling 56% for workers 55 and older...
Best practices for working with liquid nitrogen
If you work in a lab in Minnesota, you may be asked to work with liquid nitrogen. Even if you don't work directly with the substance, you could work in close proximity to it, which could increase your risk of getting hurt or sick. Oxygen displacement is a possibility...
Keeping roadway construction workers safe
In Minnesota and across the country, roadway construction workers face many dangers daily. One of the biggest challenges is keeping safe while working. In fact, since 2003, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been recording road construction-related fatalities and...
Some employers violate safety standards for silica exposure
Minnesota workers who have to deal with fine grains of silica on the job, especially those created from drilling, sanding or other types of labor, may face serious dangers. These workers, especially those with repeated silica exposure over time, could develop lung and...
When companies should record workplace injuries
OSHA generally requires employers in Minnesota and throughout the country to record serious workplace injuries and illnesses on Form 300. Serious injuries are those that require time off from work or for an employee to perform light or restricted duties. An injury...
Safety tips to prevent miner injuries
Mining companies in Minnesota and throughout the nation are required to take steps to keep their workers safe. For instance, workers must have access to safety equipment that meets Mine Health and Safety standards. Examples of protective equipment include gas...
How to comply with OSHA lab standards
If you work in a Minnesota lab, you could be exposed to harmful chemicals, toxic waste, and a variety of other hazards. Generally speaking, it is your employer's responsibility to ensure that you have the tools necessary to avoid getting hurt or sick while on the job....
Is worker’s compensation insurance a requirement in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota follows a mandatory compensation coverage law that requires every employer in the state to purchase compensation insurance for all their workers. The insurance provides compensation to all workers who suffer from work-injuries. It does not...
Can COPD affect your work?
COPD or chronic obstruction pulmonary disease is a condition that causes severe difficulty breathing. It is an inflammation of the lungs that you may develop in several different industries. These industries include mining, agriculture, grain workers and more. After a...