Poultry processing is one of North Carolina agriculture’s growing segments, bringing in to our state billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs. When the Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says occupational injuries and illnesses are down in the poultry sector, it’s good news for us. BLS’s recently…
Since the dawn of time, humans have developed ever more sophisticated technology with which to fight. From sticks and stones to clubs, guns, tanks, ships, jets and more, humans have always pushed to develop more protective defenses and more lethal weapons. We read recently of a robotics company that has…
Early this year, the Charlotte Business Journal listed the top 10 fastest growing jobs in North Carolina. Five of the 10 were in the health care industry. While health care workers care for others, they are often at risk of contracting illness or sustaining a workplace injury in the course of their…
There are few workers more valued and important than the nurses who care for patients at Charlotte hospitals. Their work is not always appreciated, however. Far too often, nurses are subjected to workplace violence that results in injuries. In addition, hospital nurses say they are targeted for verbal abuse, groping and…
There is something to be said — quietly — for understatement. Our world is so often filled with hyperbole and excess that we sometimes forget how effective restraint and moderation can be in debate. An example of this effectiveness can be found in a recent North Carolina newspaper editorial about…
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals resistant to corrosion and heat. Asbestos has been used in a number of products in the past including insulation for pipes and in building materials. Many of the minerals that make up asbestos have been chemically treated or changed, which make them…
Every year, insurance reports, government data and news reports all point toward an inescapable conclusion: construction is a dangerous line of work. Though construction site injuries can happen suddenly, they can also involve serious damage to the back, neck, head and limbs that require long periods of recuperation. A recent news report states…
Earlier this year, a North Carolina business journal listed the 10 jobs expected to grow fastest in our state in 2017. Five of the top 10 were in the health care industry and included jobs such as nurse practitioner, physical therapy assistant and physician assistant. Health care positions also include…
There is a whole host of concerns that a person experiences when they are injured at work. First and foremost, of course, there are health issues to be taken care of. But once those have been addressed and recovery has begun, someone who faces the possibility of missing work and…
It is time for North Carolina weather to get hot and sticky. Summer is starting, which means lots of outdoor fun on lakes and rivers, as well as picnics, hiking, camping, road trips and more. Summer is also the time to keep indoor activities in the workplace safe. The National…