Illinois Work Injury Blog

Treatment for a burn is critical for your health or the health of fellow co-workers in the event of a workplace fire, chemical, or electrical accident. Suffering through an accident in which a burn of any severity occurs can be traumatic, but it is very important to understand the appropriate response and treatment for a burn, along with the levels of burns by degree.

Burn injuries can occur in many workplace environments and have numerous sources:

• Workers may be injured in explosions, or because of thermal issues and/or chemical reaction problems.
• Electrical workplace burns can occur when an individual is exposed to an electrical current, which travels through the body and meets resistance in the body’s tissues resulting in heat burn injuries.
• Building fires themselves can cause burn injuries and death.
• Improper placement of materials near an ignition source, along with scalding materials, flammable materials and improper machinery maintenance, are common reasons for work-related burns.
• Your field of work may naturally lead to a higher risk of burn injuries - laboratories, refineries and chemical plants, construction and mill work are all generally the most likely fields where burn accidents are received on the job. A substantial amount of work burns also occur among restaurant workers, often affecting adolescents working in fast-food establishments.

In order to know which treatment for a burn to use, it is important to distinguish between the levels of severity a burn can have. Treatment for a burn depends on the degree of the burn. The following is a list of burns by degree:

1. First-degree burns: This is the least severe burn on the scale. Damage to the outer layer of skin will cause redness, swelling, irritation, and mild pain. These burns, which include sunburns, heal within a couple of days.
2. Second-degree burns: Burn damage extends deeper into the second layer of skin to cause blistering in addition to intense redness, severe pain and swelling. These burns typically heal within 1-3 weeks.
3. Third-degree burns: These burns involve all layers of the skin and can cause permanent damage to the affected area. Fat, muscle and even bone may be damaged. The area of injury can be white, charred black, red, or brownish. These severe burns are often not painful as burns of lesser degrees, because pain-transmitting nerves are often damaged.
4. Fourth-degree burns: In this severe degree of burn, damage extends through skin, subcutaneous tissue and into underlying muscle and bone. Skin grafts will not heal burns if they are this severe. Fourth-degree burn victims will require amputation if injury occurs in a limb/extremity.

Treatment for a Minor Burn

Treatment for a burn in the minor category includes first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter. These are the most common types of burns. They are not very difficult to treat and will get better on their own, within a few weeks at the most. However, for pain relief and to heal the burn quickly, the following steps can help:

• Stop the heat: hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or  immerse the burn in cool water, or cool it with cold compresses for 10-15 minutes or until the pain lessens.
     - Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin.
     - Do not, however, put ice on the burn or soak it in ice water. This can cause cold damage to the skin.

• Use a sterilized gauze bandage to cover the burn: wrap gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. This type of bandaging will keep air off the burn, can reduce pain and protects blistered skin.
     - Ace wraps can increase comfort, especially for burns on the lower portions of the body, though they are not a necessity.
     - Don't use a material that may get lint in the wound or other debris in the wound, which can cause infection.

• Clean and apply aloe vera cream or antibiotic ointment: washing is the most important thing you can do in the treatment of a minor burn, as it keeps the area sterile. Ointment may provide some pain relief and assist in the healing process.
     - Do not put any butter, grease, or powder on the burn. This can also lead to infection.

• Consult with a doctor in the event of a second-degree burn or higher.
     - Depending on the type of burns by degree, you may need consultation by a physician. In many cases, first-degree burns would not require a checkup.

• Remove all blisters and devitalized tissue: If this is left in place there may be an increased potential for wound infection, because the fluid which collects within a blister and devitalized tissue creates a perfect area for bacteria to multiply.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can all assist in pain relief and healing.
     - Although aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers should never take aspirin if they are recovering from chickenpox or the flu.

Treatment for a Major Burn

Always call 911 immediately for emergency medical help. In this situation it is likely that you will be assisting the victim, as third-degree burns can be debilitating. Until an emergency help arrives, follow these steps:

• Do not remove burned clothing. In the event of a fire, the victims clothes may have melted onto the person.
• Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause hypothermia and/or shock.
• Cover the burn: use a cool, wet, sterile gauze bandage or clean cloth until you receive assistance from a medical professional.
• Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.

Prevention of Work Burn Injuries:

According to the CDC, workplace burns account for 20%-25% of all serious burns requiring hospital attention. They even cause 5% of all workplace deaths.  

So what are the different common types of work-related burns and how can they be prevented?

Electric burns: Training on how to use electrical equipment and ensuring that all electrical equipment has clearly displayed warnings on them can help to prevent electrical burns.  

Chemical or thermal burns: Since chemical burns can occur when skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, always remember to wear protective clothing and eye goggles to prevent this severe type of burn from happening.   

Workplace burns happen often enough to warrant special care and attention. Knowing the correct treatment for a burn and the different types of burns by degree is important, but it is also critical that you are compensated for any expenses which stem from your workplace injuries.

At The Law Offices of Dworkin and Maciariello, all of our workers compensation attorneys are highly knowledgeable and fully licensed to practice law throughout the State of Illinois. Our Illinois lawyers have decades of experience and are always ready to navigate the complicated matters of this specialized area of law to get the maximum settlement amount for clients.

If you have suffered a work-related burn contact us for a Free Work Injury Case Evaluation today.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

Hearing loss associated with workplace noise is preventable and once your hearing is gone, it is impossible to restore. Workers should be protective of their hearing, and so hearing health at the workplace continues to be a critical issue. Many workers make their living in environments where they are constantly exposed to noise which can threaten their hearing.

According to OSHA, “Since 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that nearly 125,000 workers have suffered significant, permanent hearing loss. In 2009 alone, BLS reported more than 21,000 hearing loss cases.”

This makes noise-induced hearing impairment one of the most common occupational issues and the second most self-reported occupational illness or injury. The CDC has reported on just how widespread hearing loss is in some professions:

• 44% of carpenters and 48% of plumbers reported that they had a perceived hearing loss.
• 49% of male, metal/nonmetal miners will have a hearing impairment by age 50 (vs. 9% of the general population) rising to 70% by age 60.

Other industries also have elevated noise levels that workers are frequently exposed to as well, including: agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and the military. However, this does not mean that many other industries and professions do not risk their hearing health in the workplace every day. Unfortunately, it is still very difficult to tell who is getting injured, where they are losing their hearing, and how often job-related hearing loss happens as there is no national injury reporting system for hearing impairment.

Things that employers can do to protect workers' ear health:

• Remove hazardous noise from the workplace through engineering controls, like installing mufflers or building acoustic barriers.
• Implement programs which analyze workplace noise levels and how it will affect workers' ear health. This should include noise assessments, engineering controls, monitoring of workers' hearing, require hearing protectors, worker education, record keeping, and program evaluation.
• Supervisor involvement: many employees don't wear hearing protectors or undergo hearing tests if their supervisors aren't committed to efforts, both of which can prevent workplace hearing loss.

How workers can protect their ear health:

• Wear expandable foam plugs, which are designed to expand, conforming to the shape of each person's ear canal.
• Use pre-molded plugs made from silicone, plastic or rubber. These reusable devices are available as "one-size-fits-most" or in several sizes.
• Canal caps are similar to earplugs, but come on a flexible plastic or metal band.
• Wearing earmuffs may be the best form of protection, as they block out noise completely by covering the entire outer ear.

Hearing loss in the work place is a serious problem with painful consequences, but damage can be easily be prevented. Be proactive in approaching ear health to minimize your liability and risk. However, If you have already experienced work-related hearing loss or impairment, you should contact an experienced workers compensation attorney. Lawyers with significant expertise in workers compensation benefits can explain your options.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

A back injury in the workplace, be it at an office or a construction job site, can range from relatively mild sprains to herniated disks. Any injury can be traumatic, and potentially result in permanent changes to your overall quality of life.

Pursuing the proper exercise and rehabilitation is key to recovering from an injury, or an episode of back pain or surgery. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, there are several beneficial exercises you can do to help avoid future recurrences of back pain. Stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning of the back and entire body are crucial to recovering from a sore back, maintaining back health, and preventing accidents and injuries in the future.

There are 3 major of muscles that support the spine:

1. Extensors- Used to straighten the back in order to stand up, lift and extend, and move the thighs away from the body. These are the back and gluteal muscles.
2. Obliques or Rotators- Rotate the spine and assist in the maintain of proper posture and spinal curvature. These are the side muscles. 
3. Flexors- These are used to bend and support the spine from the front. They are the abdominal and iliopsoas muscles.

While we may use all these muscles daily to perform routine tasks at home or in the workplace, they may not be getting adequate exercise and could weaken with age, exposing you to a heightened risk for back injury.

Anytime you are recovering from a back injury or a sore back, it is important to see a trained and licensed physician or physical therapist. Exercise programs can be very different, depending on the type and severity of the injury, and level of pain.

Here are some basics about the best exercise for back pain or recovering from a back injury:
Stretching

• Stiffness can arise after a period of inactivity, especially if an injured back is involved. Lessening this stiffness can ease the discomfort one feels with a sore back.
• This process should be done slowly and under supervision, as it can take time to recover your range of motion after an injury. 
• Achieving increased flexibility and elasticity in the disc, muscles, ligaments, and tendons is important to focus on.
• Strengthen muscles that are not directly involved with the injured area, like the legs can help alleviate lower back pain. For instance, hamstring tightness can limit motion in the pelvis and place it in a position that increases stress on the low back.

Strengthening
Strengthening should be utilized in conjunction with stretching, both for alleviating back pain and for prevention of future injury.

There are two primary forms of exercise for strengthening and pain relief that may to be used for specific conditions. When appropriate, these 2 forms of physical therapy may also be combined.

1. The McKenzie exercise- Known to offer lower back pain relief while in an extended position. This technique uses centralization, where the patient attempts to extend his or her muscles in such a way that the pain experienced “goes back” to the center of the back. The reason this is done is that centralized back pain is preferable to pain that radiates away to the legs, stomach, or shoulders.
2. Lumbar stabilization exercise- Works to find a position that allows the patient to feel most comfortable. Once a comfortable position has been achieved, the back muscles are then exercised to teach the spine how to stay in this position. When this exercise is performed on an ongoing basis, they can increase back strength and assist in keeping the spine well-positioned. 

Aerobic Conditioning
Using low-impact aerobic exercise is a key aspect to back rehabilitation and maintenance. An aerobically fit patient is less likely to lose range of motion and experience other debilitating back issues in the future than those who do not add aerobic conditioning to their rehabilitation strategy.

Here are a few examples of low impact aerobic exercise:
Water/Pool therapy- Water therapy is excellent for those with back pain as it provides a form of conditioning that takes pressure off of joints and ligaments. Water counteracts gravity and makes many stretching movements easier as well as providing mild resistance.
Walking- Elevating your heart-rate and muscle use by continuous walking at a sustained pace for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes is essential in order to provide aerobic conditioning. Incidental daily walking around work or your home is not enough to give your body the exercise it needs to recover and get stronger.
Stationary biking- Riding a stationary bicycle is beneficial because it provides aerobic conditioning with minimal impact on the spine.

Choosing the best exercise for back pain relief depends much upon the nature of your back injury, physician’s advice, and an individual’s exercise choices. It is very important that you go over exercise options with a physician or physical therapist to identify which exercises are safest will yield the best results for you.

If you are injured on the job in Chicago, Illinois request a Free Case Evaluation - Call Toll Free 1-888-460-4878.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, eye injuries cost more than $300 million per year related to the almost 37,000 days of missed work they cause. When you add legal fees to this expense, along with judgments and the cost of training replacement workers, this financial burden can reach over $900 million. Taking the proper steps to prevent loss of vision before accidents and injuries happen is a critical step in protecting your eye health.

Many jobs have activities which expose employees eye injury; vision impairment or even loss of vision. Common causes of eye injuries include:

• Projectiles- Wood, dust, metal, concrete, and other types of particles.
• Chemicals- Splashes and fumes.
• Radiation- Visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers.
• Blood-borne Pathogens- Hepatitis or HIV from from bodily fluids including blood can enter the body through contact with unprotected eyes.

3 Categories of Eye Protection:
Precautionary eyewear depends upon the specific work environments, the nature and degree of the potential hazard, the circumstances of exposure, and other personal and workplace factors.

• Safety Eyewear- Safety spectacles are the most common form of vision protection. Safety eyewear is designed with side protection for full coverage, and can resist impacts up to 150 feet per second.
• Goggles- Form a protective seal around the eyes. Goggles generally come in two different types; impact and chemical. Chemical goggles protect workers from chemical splashes with their hooded or indirect ventilation paths. Impact goggles will protect against direct impact or large particles and have direct ventilation holes .
• Face shields- Are used in welding, grinding or sanding applications. Face shields are considered secondary protection and need to be worn with protective eyewear or goggles.

In the case of an emergency, the following list is important to be aware of, in order to prevent a loss of vision.

• Prevent further vision impairment- Hold a folded cloth over the eye to act as a shield in order to protect the eye from further damage.
• Consult with a physician- Your eye health is critical to all aspects of life. If vision problems arise, consult a physician with eye care expertise immediately.
• Bandaging- Prevent contamination or infection by bandaging any cuts around the eye. 
• Find an eyewash station- In the event of a chemical burn or if there is small debris in the eye, flush the eye with water immediately. 
• Blunt trauma- Find a cold compress to treat any blunt trauma injury such as a black eye, but try not to apply excessive pressure.

Law requires employers to evaluate eye safety hazards in their workplace and take measures to ensure employee eye safety. Typical measures include compliance with government regulations for eyewear and emergency eyewash stations. Employees also should be aware of the potential for eye injury and ways to protect themselves from vision problems.

If you feel that your eye accident or injury was the result of negligence on the part of your employer, you should immediately contact an experienced worker compensation lawyer.

Workplace injuries can be costly and may occur more frequent than one would imagine. It is important to understand the true nature of such workplace injuries in order to prevent them and respond accordingly when they occur. Although it is almost impossible to prevent every single threat to health and safety in the workplace, it is crucial to be proactive about those that can be identified.

A new Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety report outlines the top five workplace injuries and brings us the news that they account for a whopping 72% of all direct workers compensation costs. The annual Workplace Safety Index identifies the top causes of serious non-fatal workplace injuries based on information from Liberty Mutual workers compensation claims, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the National Academy of Social Insurance.

According to Liberty Mutual, these are the top 5 occurrences which endanger workplace health and safety:

1. Overexertion: These can be injuries can be caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding and carrying are resulting in an annual cost of $12.5 billion for employers and account for one-quarter of all workplace injuries.
2. Fall on same level: These common workplace falls have lead to $7.94 billion in direct workers compensation costs and account for 15.8% of all workplace injuries.
3. Fall to lower level: These vertical falls are rising employers' workers compensation costs by $5.35 billion.
4. Bodily reaction: This could be standing, sitting, slipping, bending, climbing, reaching or tripping, and all without falling, has workers compensation expenses of $5.28 billion.
5. Struck by object: This could be as simple as a tool falling on a worker from above, and has accounted for $4.64 billion in costs.

These five types of injuries, which were tallied across all industries amounted to approximately $35 billion in workers compensation costs in 2009.

The prime culprits for these injuries:

• Unstable equipment, slick floors, rigid surfaces and a lack of enforced safe practices in the workplace all can prompt businesses to provide compensation to injured employees. 
• Falling down can be among the most common injuries, especially for employees working in physical industries such as construction, forestry, mining and agriculture. 
• Those who work in retail or restaurant business may not spend as much time on a ladder as a construction worker, thus, they have an increased risk of falling due to a lack of experience working with this type of equipment. 
• Falling off a ladder, down the stairs or even tripping on uneven ground are well known for causing sprains and fractures, which are not quick fixes. In many cases, employees need to take time off from work for doctor visits and recovery.
• Workplace injuries that are due to lifting can lead to musculoskeletal disorders affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, joints and/or spinal discs. These injuries typically lead to longer work absences. Employees of any industry are susceptible to lifting injuries, but specifically those who work in nursing, manufacturing, construction and horticultural businesses are at risk.

If you have sustained a work injury, do not wait until it is too late or sacrifice your health and safety - contact a Chicago workers compensation lawyer right away.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

Illinois-based company Yaskawa America Inc. is being cited by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal workplace-safety agency. According to a February 28, 2012 Chicago Tribune article, OSHA is proposing a $91,000 fine for the  Illinois company approximately five months after a worker suffered electrical burns at its Wisconsin manufacturing plant.

According to OSHA, the company allowed the worker to come into contact with exposed equipment and suffered second- and third-degree burns on his hand after receiving an electrical shock. In addition, there were other alleged violations, including failing to provide workers with proper safety gear.

Work-related burn injuries like this one happen much more often than most Americans realize. In fact, almost one-fourth of those hospitalized for burn injuries receive them while on the job. Even worse, an average of 200 people are killed each year from work-related burns!

There are a many sources of on-the-job burn injuries:

• Scalding, flammable materials, improper machinery maintenance, and improper placement of materials near an ignition source are the usual reasons for work-related burns.
• Building fires themselves can cause burn injuries and deaths.
• Some types of employment naturally lend themselves to the occurrence of burn injuries; work performed in laboratories, refineries and chemical plants, construction and mill work are generally at higher risk for burn accidents received while at work.
• Workers may also be injured in explosions, or because of thermal and/or chemical problems.

OSHA, in addition to responding to workplace negligence with legal action, advises the following general fire prevention standards for workplaces:

• All fire exits must be provided, clearly marked and employees must be trained in their location.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers must be easily accessible. Also, workers who may have to use fire extinguishers must be trained about the hazards of fighting fire, how to operate fire extinguishers, and how to alert other employees in the event of a fire emergency.
• Employer must have an emergency plan printed and train employees in evacuation procedures.

At The Law Offices of Dworkin and Maciariello, our workers' compensation lawyers have extensive knowledge of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act and workers' rights. Our experienced Illinois workers' comp attorneys will fight diligently for your recovery to get you the justice you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

When working with hazardous chemicals is part of your job, it is critical that you to know the risks you face with each chemical you use. The range of injuries due to chemical exposure can vary widely, such as a factory worker overcome by fumes from a chemical spill, to the virtually unnoticed constant exposure to the supposedly safe chemicals found in the products and places of a typical office environment. In these extremes, and every point in between, chemical injury can result in a debilitating condition of chronic chemical sensitivity or other chemical environmental illness which threaten at work health. This guide will outline the kinds of injuries that chemicals can cause, types of chemical exposures and their effects, and factors that influence the severity of exposure.

Know your chemicals and their characteristics

Chemicals can vary greatly in their level of toxicity, so three factors must be considered at all times:

1. Amount of chemical
2. Frequency of exposure
3. Duration of exposure

For example, Acutelytoxic chemicals can injure after a single exposure, while other chemicals only cause harm after repeated exposures. Being aware of which chemicals are toxic only when exposure is repeated or prolonged can help you protect yourself from this dangerous group of substances that injure without immediately obvious symptoms.

Chemical characteristics can determine exposure level

●        Chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the skin, eyes, mouth and, most frequently, the lungs. Know which routes of entry are at risk and always use protective equipment to prevent those kinds of exposures.

●        Extremely volatile chemicals evaporate very readily, and thus may contaminate the air you breathe more easily than other chemicals do. If a chemical is flammable it may be an extreme fire or explosion hazard as well.

●        Corrosive or highly reactive chemicals are acutely toxic and will injure skin, respiratory passages or eyes on contact immediately.

●        If you are not aware of the hazards that the chemicals you use at work present, consult your Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for information on the physical characteristics of these chemicals which may threaten your at work health.

Kinds of Reactions

If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical, you can expect one of two kinds of reactions: local or systemic reactions.

●        Local reactions occur at the place where the exposure occurred. For example, breathing dangerous chemical vapors may injure lungs and respiratory passages, while swallowing such chemicals can damage your mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines.

●        Systemic reactions are a response to chemical exposure that affects the whole body. These illnesses may cause symptoms in one or two areas, but the whole body can be affected. They may be immediate but often are delayed: You may not even know you have been exposed until the chemicals have done severe damage.

Know the dangers which put your at work health at risk

●        To protect yourself from unexpected work injury from a hazardous chemical, refer to the MSDS to educate yourself about that chemical. The guidelines will list the signs and symptoms of chemical toxicity for both local and systemic reactions as well as the target organs and primary routes of entry.

●        Always use personal protective equipment and be sure to follow safety guidelines appropriate for the chemical. And avoid relying on your memory or tips from co-workers: Review the MSDS if you have any doubts about the dangers of any chemical.

However, if you have suffered a hazardous chemicals related exposure, or any other work related injuries in Chicago, Illinois request a Free Case Evaluation  -Call Toll Free 1-888-460-4878.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

While telecommuting has become increasingly popular over the past decade, a new report indicates that telecommuting may have hit a wall.

"It's true that telework reduces pollution, improves productivity, and cuts real estate costs for employers while increasing retention and employee loyalty. But no matter how advanced the technology, something is lost when face-to-face contact disappears. Indeed, a new report found that the number of teleworkers declined in 2010 for the first time since data collection began nearly a decade ago. While there's no denying that telecommuting can provide tremendous benefits, organizations are finding that virtual collaboration has its limits," reports CNN Money.

Those who have experience telecommuting sometimes feel disconnected from coworkers, particularly if they have never met their coworkers in person. It does not feel the same to introduce yourself via email or webcam as it does to meet in person. As a result, you may not build a working relationship with others as quickly or as solidly as if you were physically in the same place.

Part of the reason for the disconnect is that coworkers in a traditional office setting often meet needs not related to work - friendship and socializing. You may have a coworker or group of coworkers who you go out for coffee or lunch with, strengthening your relationship in a way that you would not if you were co-telecommuters.

One way you can try to combat the isolation that you may be feeling is by coming into the office from time to time. It will help you introduce yourself to new faces and reconnect with coworkers. It can also be a nice change from the monotony of telecommuting.

Additionally, there are some industries that are not conducive to remote work or telecommuting. However, to try to meet employees needs, they are flexible in ways they can be. For example, allowing employees to choose their own hours or even work days and job sharing are two ways to offer workers some flexibility around when they work if they can't control where they work.

Regardless of where you are putting your time in every day, it is important that you are following all safety standards and practices - especially ergonomics - to prevent against work injury. You should also take regular breaks to avoid stress or injury from repetitive motion. This is an additional benefit to working in an office setting, as employers are more likely to remind employees of safety standards and procedures in an office or physical company-operated facility.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon. To find out more about our disclaimer click here.

Electronics company Plantronics wants their employees not to come into the office. Why? Because the headset manufacturer believes that telecommuting can provide flexibility and productivity benefits over coming into the office each day. As a result, they have designed their new corporate headquarters around the idea that the majority of their employees will be out of the office - working from home - more days than not. In fact, they do not even have enough desks for every employee to be there at the same time.

Fast Company reports,"Plantronics is hardly the first company to encourage its employees to telecommute, but it’s still rare to find an organization that’s so dedicated to the idea. It might be a little bit of an adjustment to people used to sitting at work all day every day, but the generation just coming out of school–the one that’s used to having instant access to people through cell phones, Skype, and email–expects nothing less. With gas prices steadily climbing, the prospect of working remotely three days a week seems especially attractive.

And Plantronics has no limits on how often employees work from home–it just asks that they make sure their home workplaces are ergonomically safe."

More and more companies are trying out telecommuting, and with good reason. The two primary reasons telecommuting is gaining popularity are:

1. Workers' Wants: As the aging baby boomers are eased out of the workforce and replaced by Gen Y and younger generations, expectations about telecommuting are changing. The new generations of workers have always had computers and cell phones, and are used to being mobile and "plugged-in." Many prefer to telecommute as a result.

2. Travel Expenses: The cost of commuting is rising with energy costs. If energy costs do not stabilize, employees who are not able to work from home at their current job may look for jobs closer to home or with more flexibility. It is likely that any pay cut will be at least partially offset by the savings in commuting costs.

In spite of concerns about employee productivity, studies show that workers feel empowered by the freedom to complete work tasks where and when they choose. By enabling them to work in a comfortable environment and time frame, employers are reaping the benefits of maximum productivity and at the same time eliminating costly overhead for maintaining physical office space for all employees.

One important factor that is largely overlooked with telecommuting, however, is ergonomics. When a company controls employees' working enviroment, they can ensure that each employee's workspace is ergonomically correct to avoid work injury. With telecommuting, it is important for the employee to understand the importance of setting up their home office with ergonomics in mind to prevent work injury. For example, an ergonomically correct home office requires

• Proper height and distance of the computer monitor to avoid neck pain and eye strain.
• Adjustable chair with attention paid to the correct chair height and angle from the floor and work top.
• Keyboard placement and support to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

A new study whose findings were recently published reports that working mothers are happier than their stay-at-home counterparts - and it does not appear to matter how many hours they work.

"According to the study, 'Mothers' part-time employment: Associations with mother and family well-being' (which was published recently in the American Psychological Association's 'Journal of Family Psychology'), being employed has multiple benefits for moms -- and for their families. After interviewing hundreds of mothers repeatedly over the course of a decade, the researchers found that those who worked 32 hours per week or less were more sensitive to their kids' needs, less likely to have symptoms of depression, and more likely to split household duties with their spouses than mothers who were not employed. And, the researchers found, even going to full-time status didn't adversely affect working moms' well-being," reports Yahoo Shine.

It is likely that many mothers will find the results of this study both an encouragement and a relief - especially those who are not able to choose whether they go back to work but are forced to by financial constraints. Hearing that going back to work will make moms healthier and happier may be an unexpected benefit of re-entering the workforce post-baby.

It is also possible that moms who have to work after their children are born are able to take advantage of flex-time or telecommute, making it easier than ever to be a "work-from-home-mom." The time spent not commuting can be allocated to other pursuits - spending time with family and friends, working out, effectively reaching a favorable work-life balance.

A few other ways of striking a favorable work-life balance by decreasing stress and subsequently avoiding work injury include:

• Breaks: This goes beyond taking your allotted fifteen minute breaks and hour lunch break. It can also mean changing up what you are working on when you begin to feel tired and fatigued, or just stepping away for a brief moment to use the facilities or get a drink of water. Doing so can help avoid work injury, especially those caused by repetitive motion.

• Good Health: One of the best ways to avoid work injury is by taking care of yourself. This means maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and getting a full night's sleep. When you are happy, healthy, and well rested you are better equipped to perform your essential job functions.

• Support: If you feel overwhelmed by tasks at work or at home, ask for assistance from your spouse, boss or coworkers before you get overworked. Overworked employees are more likely to make mistakes or sustain a work injury.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.