Most people think of workplace injuries as those that occur as the result of physical damage due to tools or something falling, or those that are incurred through repetitive motions, such as in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are also a number of injuries that can be sustained as a result of working outside and that come from insects, wild animals or other pests.
Dangers to workers in Minnesota from insects and animals
OSHA issues new standard for confined spaces in construction
Construction industry employers in Minnesota and across the country must follow at least one more new set of requirements as of Aug. 3, 2015, when a new rule finalized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on May 4 goes into effect. This new standard, Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926, governs confined spaces in certain types of construction projects as well as the employer's related obligations for ensuring workplace safety.
Responding to an injury at the workplace
Minnesota workers and their employers may benefit from understanding the recommended course of action if an injury ever occurs on the job. The employer's response to an incident typically has a substantial impact on the outcome or resolution of the workplace accident. In order to ensure that work injuries or illnesses are handled properly, management should be required to adhere to protocol or procedures that have already been established and implemented through training.
Employers can implement heat-illness prevention programs
Thousands of workers in the U.S. get sick each year from excessive heat exposure. Minnesota is one of the few states with prevention standards for heat-related illness. Employers should evaluate their workplaces and develop a plan to prevent workplace heat-related illnesses.
Occupational hearing loss
Workers in Minnesota who are exposed to excessive noise levels at their place of employment might be at risk of suffering from occupational hearing loss. Exposure to certain ototoxic chemicals at work like heavy metals, asphyxiants and solvents can also lead to hearing difficulties.
