Workplace Safety Issues Circle the Globe

Normally we see rather average workers’ compensation claims of injuries sustained in the workplace. We also find workplace injuries are very global in character. Recently there were two work comp claims highlighting this point in two news stories – one from Connecticut and one from China. 

 

According to a Journal Inquirer article (4/5/2010) a New Haven police detective was awarded $7.6 million for injuries sustained when his vehicle was hit by a newspaper delivery person who was driving on the wrong side of the street while delivering papers. The detective, on his way to a stakeout, received permanent brain injuries.

 

It’s been documented delivery persons often take very hazardous risks – running red lights, crossing streets illegally, and driving the wrong way – all done to meet newspaper delivery deadlines.

 

During court procedures a Superior Court judge said a supervisor at the newspaper “had trained the man to drive in the ‘wrong’ lane and thus had reason to know of the behavior”  to speed up delivery time, making the newspaper culpable for the man’s injuries.

 

Statistics show the injured worker at age 43 could be expected to live another 34.5 years. His life expectancy now is estimated to be from 8.5 to 18.5 years.

 

In addition to the $7.6 million settlement, the city of New Haven will continue workers’ compensation payments  until the end of 2010. Payments for lifetime medical and hospital care, plus disability pension benefits will then be paid to the detective and his wife for their lifetimes. His wife also received $3.5 million for loss of consortium, part of which is planned to fund college for the couple’s two children.

 

Even though more than 100 mine workers were rescued following China’s recent coal mining accident, cited as “one of the most amazing rescues in the history of mining anywhere,” by David Feickert, a coal mine safety advisor to the Chinese government, an investigation is underway by the State Administration of Work Safety. A preliminary investigation shows water leaks were ignored by mine management. (Journal Inquirer article,4/5/2010)

 

According to China’s State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, the worst coalmine accidents happen in China, with 2,631 men killed last year. In 2002, 6,995 were killed. (workersxzcompxzkit)

 

As a note of interest, the rescued workers are under “house arrest” at a local hotel and may only leave if escorted by “minders.” The government says this is to prevent “social unrest.”

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