Why is it that the most fragile part of our body is the one we seem to protect the least? According to the Washington Eye, it’s estimated that around 2,000 American workers suffer from an eye injury on the job every day. While some of these instancesmay have been freak accidents, at least 90 percent of reported injuries could have been completely avoided by using safety precautions.
Our eyes are not equipped with any natural protection, and it’s very easy for an injury to occur at work. March is Workplace Eye Safety Month, serving as a simple reminder to workers and employers across all occupations to be mindful of the dangers when it comes to eye safety. These are some of the eye hazards to watch for and how to keep employees safe.
Any negative impact on the eyes can change a worker’s overall quality of life. There are various possible hazards in the workplace that could lead to eye injuries across multiple industries, including:
Flying objects, chemicals, tools, particles, and harmful radiation are among the most common causes of occupational eye injuries. Sadly, most of these injuries are also highly preventable when proper safety measures are used.
The American Optometric Association (A.O.A.) reports that workers experience eye injuries for two reasons: they were not wearing eye protection, and/or they were wearing the wrong kind of protection for the job. Various types of eye protectionthat can be used to protect workers from occupational eye injuries include:
Wearing just any type of eye protection will not prevent a worker from an injury. Protective eyewear must be kept in good condition and replaced immediately when damaged. The type of eye protection needed will depend on the kind of work being done. Additionally, all protective eyewear should be compliant according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(O.S.H.A.) regulations to fully protect workers from preventable harm.
It’s often believed that eye injuries only occur in construction or trade jobs. But, research shows that about 40 percent of work-related eye injuries happen in offices, laboratories, and other work environments alike. According to Bard Optical, these are the seven identified professions where eye injuries occur the most and the hazards they face in the workplace:
No matter the severity or degree of harm, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. No one wants to live a life where their vision can be impaired or endure a lifetime of recovery and constant medical attention. Employees must be aware of how to take the necessary precautions and be aware of the known eye hazards they could encounter in every aspect of the workplace.
Prevent Blindness, a leading eye health and safety organization, provides a great deal of insight into helping workplaces across the country embrace Workplace Eye Safety Month. Here are ten recommendations to help workplaces focus on reducing occupational eye injuries affecting their employees:
Assess: Inspect and identify all work areas, equipment, plant operations, and access routes for hazards.
Test: Routine employee physical exams are a perfect opportunity to test eye vision. Corrected eye vision (if needed), reduces accidents.
Protect: Using the correct protective eyewear is crucial. Follow the industry standards and expert recommendations for ensuring employees are wearing the right gear for the job every time.
Fit: With a great emphasis on protective eyewear, it’s important that all employees have eyewear that fits correctly and comfortably. Use a trained professional to fit and repair gear as needed.
Participate: Specific programs for eye protection in all departments should be mandatory. If there are none in place, they should be created and made accessible to all employees.
Educate: Educational programs are essential to keeping any work environment safe. Employers should be educating all supervisors and employees consistently.
Plan for Emergencies: First-aid procedures should be set in place. Eyewash stations should be installed in areas with risks for debris and chemical splashes. Workers should be trained in basic first-aid and able to identify which safety methods to use when eye injuries occur.
Support: Management should be highly involved and show an active interest in their employees’ well-being.
Review: Review all prevention policies on a regular basis to identify new hazards or training areas of need.
Put it in Writing: Write down all safety procedures, policies, and programs for the workplace and make them accessible to employees who need to reference them in the future.
Eye injuries in the workplace can be dramatically reduced when proper safety protocols are set in place. Employers and contractors who do not prioritize safety put the lives of their workers at unnecessary risk. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the medical negligence of a health care facility or physician, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages suffered.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights for justice.
More than 2-million Americans could be at risk for poor health because of their work hours! According to a recent study by the Journal of American Osteopathic Association (J.A.O.A.), shift workers show an elevated risk for serious health conditions such as sleep disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and more. All shift workers who clock in outside of the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. work hours are considered at high-risk, particularly those who take overnight and rotating shifts.
Shift workers make up nearly 20% of the United States labor force. They work in some of the most grueling industries and take shifts around the clock to meet the high demands of our modern economy. Connecticut workers shouldn’t have to put their health at risk for a job. These are the health statistics all shift workers should know and the steps to fight for a healthier lifestyle in the workplace.
Shift work is a method of employment geared towards providing a 24/hr. service. These employees typically work outside of a normal day shift, more than often evening hours, overnight hours, overtime, and rotating shifts.
The J.A.O.A. study highlighted several common health consequences associated with shift work that are causing workers long-term harm. The two leading conditions identified were sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome. Both conditions can adversely affect how a worker functions throughout the day and inhibit their ability to perform their jobs safely.
The odd hourly demands of shift work can result in workers being tired, fatigued, and groggy. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reports that nightshifts and rotating shifts are especially dangerous when it comes to a lack of sleep.
When workers sleep during the day and are awake at night, their body’s circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) can become misaligned, a process known as circadian desynchrony. The amount of sleep a worker gets as compared to the amount they need is often not enough. Periods of sleep can be shorter in length, broken up, or even not occur at all if a worker develops insomnia.
There has been sufficient research that shows that workers who suffer from a lack of sleep are at higher risk for health conditions, including:
A lack of sleep can also put workers at a higher risk for injuries on the job. According to the C.D.C., sleep deprivation results in impaired judgment, lack of focus, delayed reaction times, and instability. These have all proved to increase the chance of occupational accidents in the workplace.
Sleep deprivation and circadian desynchrony associated with shift work have also been linked to the onset of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a cluster of conditions that increase a person’s risk for chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The cluster includes:
Workers who suffer from three or more of these factors are officially diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. However, having even one of these factors increases your risk for the occurrence of others. Health experts suggest major lifestyle and diet changes to reduce your risk. Yet, shift workers do not always have the flexibility when they are also struggling with lack of sleep and inactivity during the day.
Past research has suggested that metabolic syndrome was simply a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices and a lower socio economic status. However, the J.A.O.A. found further evidence to prove that metabolic syndrome is heavily associated with circadian desynchrony. For instance, the study cites that nightshift workers could regularly exercise and hold higher paying shift work positions such as doctors and nurses. But with the presence of circadian desynchrony, these individuals were still diagnosed with a higher rate of metabolic syndrome than non-shift workers of the same demographic.
Shift work is a method of employment geared towards providing a 24/hr. service. These employees typically work outside of a normal day shift that ranges from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than often, shift workers will work evening hours, overnight hours, and overtime. Shift workers frequently alternate evening shifts followed by day shifts, called “rotating shifts”.
While shift workers tend to be paid more for working odd hours, most jobs are often still in low-paying industries. Studies have shown that the industries with the greatest number of shift work schedules include:
All shift workers deserve to lead healthy lives, regardless of what time they clock in. Experts from the J.A.O.A. study provide the following recommendations to help employers and scheduling managers improve the health outcomes of their workers:
For more information and suggestions on how to improve the health outcomes of shift workers, read more of the J.A.O.A. study here.
Shift workers are the backbone of our country and deserve working conditions that promote healthy and safe lifestyles. Employers and contractors who do not prioritize safety put the lives of their workers at unnecessary risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident due to negligent health and safety practices, you could be eligible for compensation for any damages sustained.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights for justice.
A recent study by the Department of Labor is showing a concerning spike in workplace fatalities across the state. Between 2017 to 2018, fatal work accidents in Connecticut rose from 35 to 48 lives lost, the highest number of work-related deaths since 2010.
The newest fatality rate has also shown to be 23 percent higher than the state’s average annual occupational fatality rate within a 26-year period between 1992 to 2018. Despite the fact that Connecticut’s workplace fatality rate is still lower than the national average, the uptick in worker deaths is still a cause for concern. These are the reasons why fatal injuries are back on the rise.
According to the Department of Labor study, the two working sectors experiencing the highest fatality rates in Connecticut in 2018 were construction and transportation/utility industry. Compared to the overall state fatality of 2.8 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, the construction industry saw a rate of 10.9 per 100,000 while the transportation and utility industry saw a rate of 10.2 per 100,000.
When looking at the information gathered on the risk factors leading to workplace fatalities in 2018, these were the five main causes identified:
Sadly, these statistics do not encompass the hundreds or even thousands of unreported injuries sustained on worksites. An article in the New Haven Register reported that some workers are afraid to disclose workplace safety violations to supervisors or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (O.S.H.A.) out of fear of negative repercussions on their employment. Other workers believe it’s unlikely that O.S.H.A. will enforce impunities on employers, and therefore feel it futile to report injuries or hazards.
While every industry is unique, there are some general safety precautions employers and contractors should be implementing to keep workers safe from foreseeable harm. The Environmental Health and Safety department at Ohio State University provides a generous list with recommendations employers can consider :
Workplace accidents can be dramatically reduced when proper safety protocols are set in place. Employers and contractors who do not prioritize safety put the lives of their workers at unnecessary risk. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident due to negligent safety practices, you could be eligible for compensation for any damages sustained.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights for justice.
In just over the past few years, C.B.D. has crept its way into every type of product on the market. People around the world have reported using C.B.D. for conditions ranging from anxiety to weight loss to pain management. Others are jumping on the bandwagon in purchasing various C.B.D. products just to see what all the hype is about.
Regardless of how or why consumers are choosing to use C.B.D., buyers should beware. There have been multiple cases of scammers out there who are making a living by tricking people into buying fake or harmful products claiming to contain C.B.D. As safety advocates, we believe in staying informed on all products that could adversely affect your health. These are the current C.B.D. facts and scams you should know before you make a purchase.
C.B.D., short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive primary component of cannabis. C.B.D. can be extracted from the flowers and buds of either cannabis or industrial hemp plants and does not cause intoxication. Currently trending in the natural products industry, C.B.D. has been mass-marketed in the form of oils and infused goods available to most consumers right over the counter.
According to WebMD, certain studies suggest that C.B.D. could be beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, or cancer. However, there is still a significant lack of research on C.B.D. that makes the actual benefits and risks associated with using products unclear.
The abundance of C.B.D. products available on the current market is astonishing. Because C.B.D. is extracted in an oil form, it can literally but put into anything and everything, including:
Health experts report people who use C.B.D. for specific health conditions often opt for more concentrated oil forms. These methods include placing C.B.D. oil directly on the skin or under the tongue or using these oils in the form of a vape. The most common uses of C.B.D. oil include:
Consumers who find C.B.D. products beneficial have a wide variety of options. But not all manufacturers who claim their products have C.B.D. actually do, and others may be adding too little or harmful amounts.
The C.B.D. market is still highly unregulated, so it’s up to consumers to determine whether the products they are purchasing are of good quality or total fakes. According to the experts, these are the products you might want to avoid:
Some experts believe low dose C.B.D. products work more off of a placebo effect than anything else. The idea of having a calming ingredient added to a drink could make others calmer in return. Manufacturers of coffees, baked goods, and other edibles that claim low doses of C.B.D. may also bank on the fact that consumers will pay more for these products, giving them a reason to increase the price to reap the benefits.
Counterfeit C.B.D. oils have become a major health concern and can be extremely dangerous. In Utah last spring, more than 50 people were sickened, and dozens were hospitalized after purchasing fake C.B.D. oil. Tempted with colorful packaging, these consumers unknowingly ingested a product that not only contained no C.B.D., but included other dietary supplements from hemp that made these consumers ill.
Some products that do contain C.B.D. also contain T.H.C.- the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives the sensation of a ‘high.’ According to a study published in JAMA, at least 30 percent of C.B.D. products are mislabeled and lead consumers to ingest T.H.C unintentionally. This can put consumers at serious risk if they are taking C.B.D. to relax, and find themselves under the influence under the wrong circumstances, including behind the wheel of a car.
C.B.D. products that are cheaper than other brands on the market could be a red flag of fake promises. Remedy Review states that companies who set their prices much lower than the competition in the C.B.D. industry often have little to no C.B.D.
In November 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) issued it’s most recent round of warning letters to drug manufacturers caught selling unapproved products allegedly containing C.B.D. After extensive testing, the F.D.A. found some of the drugs contained extremely minimal amounts if any at all. Other medications contained higher amounts of C.B.D. than claimed, causing consumers to ingest harmful concentrations.
The agency has been issuing warning letters to manufacturers of C.B.D. products since 2015. Unfortunately, more companies every year continue to put harmful products on the market.
The safest course for finding fake and harmful C.B.D. products is to do your research. Before you purchase a product, see if there have been any recalls or warnings from previous consumers. Talk to your doctor to see if the C.B.D. route is really the best choice for your health and ask for recommendations on how to find the safest products for your particular need.
Manufacturers of products that knowingly put consumers at risk for injuries should be held accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a harmful product, our winning team of personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact our expert team of Connecticut accident attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation to explore your options.
The second confirmed case of the coronavirus in the United States was reported in Chicago today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.). The announcement came only a day after the C.D.C. issued an official Level 3 Travel Warning urging all Americans to avoid unnecessary travel to Wuhan, China- the location in which the current coronavirus originated.
Global health officials have reported a total of 916 confirmed cases, and 41 fatalities linked to the coronavirus to date. Although little is still known about this rapid-moving virus, similarities between the current coronavirus outbreak and the SARS virus that killed 774 people in 2003 have all countries around the world on high alert.
The new coronavirus, also known as the 2019-nCoV, is a respiratory illness presenting similarly to influenza. The C.D.C. reports coronaviruses are a part of a large family of viruses that can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The two deadliest strains of coronaviruses in recent history include SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), collectively killing 1,056 people worldwide.
Symptoms associated with 2019-nCoV include:
Serious cases of the coronavirus may lead to life-threatening conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The most at-risk groups for developing these conditions include infants, adults 65 and older, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The severity of 2019-nCoV is not yet known. However, global health officials report the current coronavirus is spreading at a faster rate than SARS, killing 26 people in just over 30 days.
The majority of confirmed coronavirus cases have been located in mainland China, particularly in the city of Wuhan. Chinese officials believe the virus originated from a ’wet market’- a traditional Chinese food market where animals are freshly slaughtered for purchase and the risk for cross-contamination is high.
Two confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the United States as of the C.D.C. announcement today: one case involves a 60-year-old woman from Chicago, the other a man in his 30’s from Washington. Both individuals had recently returned from traveling to China within days of their diagnosis. Another possible coronavirus scare was reported in New Jersey this morning, but tests later confirmed the patient was not infected.
The United States is currently investigating another 63 patients across 22 states who may be possible carriers of the coronavirus. Other locations with confirmed cases of the coronavirus include Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Macau, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan.
Chinese officials have taken several extreme steps to reduce further spread of the coronavirus outside of Wuhan and surrounding areas: a travel lockdown issued for central China banning travel for over 35 million residents, the closing of Shanghai Disney until further notice, the construction of quarantine centers for sick patients, and suspension of public transportation to nearby towns.
Global health officials continue to monitor the spread of the virus and fear its rapid expansion could lead to the next pandemic. At this time, health officials are unclear as to how the coronavirus is spreading from person-to-person.
Citizens who are most at risk of contracting the coronavirus include anyone who has recently visited Wuhan, China, or who has come in contact with an infected traveler. Travelers who frequent international airports and are not traveling to Wuhan may also be at a higher risk of infection from coming in contact with travelers returning from countries with active outbreaks.
The C.D.C. advises all travelers, particularly those who are traveling to Wuhan, to use the following safety precautions to reduce your risk of infection:
Any traveler who arrives from Wuhan may be subject to a health screening. These screenings may include a questionnaire, and a thermometer read. Anyone with active symptoms may be required to undergo additional health assessments to reduce the spread of the virus.
If you believe you are suffering symptoms of the coronavirus or that you might have been exposed to someone with active symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately to create a plan for treatment.
All Connecticut residents can make a difference in reducing the spread of infection by staying alert and up to date. For more information on the coronavirus, visit the informational links below:
Selfies can be a unique and exciting way to share our lives with the world. But certain social media trends are leading some individuals to put their lives at risk for the perfect shot.
The most recent selfie tragedy resulted in the death of a 21-year-old British tourist who fell from a cliff in Australia last weekend. Madalyn Davis, known for her makeup tutorials online, was taking selfies with a group of friends on top of a cliff in Sydney. Emergency officials believe the fatal fall occurred in a restricted area of the scenic Diamond Bay, where tourists are often caught climbing over the fences to take a picture.
Selfie deaths across the world are mounting in epidemic proportions. Thankfully, all of these accidents are entirely preventable when keeping safety in mind.
Social media celebrities have made it a goal to prove that they can put themselves in danger and survive. Last summer, we covered the Top 7 Fatal Selfie Trends that are unnecessarily killing people worldwide:
From dangling off cliffs, hanging from buildings, posing in a lion’s den, or setting yourself on fire, there are more and more social media users are buying into the danger factor.
Despite people who deliberately put themselves in danger, scientific studies have shown that the act of taking a selfie itself puts you at an increased risk for injuries.
In an article published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, experts discourage the use of phones in manner while standing, walking, or performing other physical tasks. Some of the reasons include:
Trying to do anything else while operating your phone is dangerous. Turning the phone around for a photo elevates the risk of injuries. But putting yourself in imminent danger while trying to take a photo is a receipt for disaster and devastation.
No selfie, no matter how spectacular, is worth risking your life. Here are a few tips to remember the next time you turn your camera around:
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for damages suffered. Contact our expert team of personal injury attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation to explore your options.
Uber has completely changed the landscape of commuting in the United States.
This easy-to-use app service allows riders to request a ride in a matter of seconds. When a ride is selected, available Uber drivers receive a ‘driver alert.’ If the driver accepts, the rider is notified, and the Uber is there to pick them up in no time.
Uber and other ride sharing companies have become one of the most convenient methods of transportation in the world, but this convenience may come at a cost. Safety advocates are becoming concerned about drivers becoming distracted by the Uber app, and the dangers they could pose to others on the road.
Distracted driving is one of the deadliest behaviors on the road. In 2017, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported over 34,000 accidents linked to distracted driving. Among these, 3,166 people were killed.
Cellphones are often the biggest culprit leading to distractions behind the wheel. The National Safety Council reported nearly 390,000 Americans are injured every year as a result of using cellphones while driving.
Looking at your phone for even a second puts drivers at risk for missing hazards leading to accidents. Yet, Uber drivers may do this several times throughout a ride.
Ride alerts, directions, and payments are all processed through the Uber app. Most drivers report receiving ride requests while in the middle of another ride. If they don’t accept quickly, their chance of earning a profit from the request is lost. If they don’t decline quickly, they risk the chance of getting bad reviews and losing future rides.
The Uber app requires several seconds of driver inattention to respond to alerts, make a plan, accept or decline rides, and figure out where they are supposed to be going. For every second a driver is glancing away from the road, the chance of a fatal road accident increases.
There are three types of distractions known for leading to fatal accidents on the road. Uber drivers who are distracted by the app are often guilty of all three at the same time.
These distractions include:
The more activity an Uber driver receives through the app, the more opportunities for distracted driving accidents to occur. There are over 900,000 active Uber drivers across the country. Some drivers work anywhere from 1 to 50+ hours a week, and all possess the goal of picking up as many riders as possible to turn a profit.
Uber rides have become especially popular for people who are looking to get home safely after a night of drinking. In fact, safety advocates have encouraged Americans for years to use Uber to decrease the prevalence of drunk driving accidents.
But distracted Uber drivers behind the wheel are no safer than the drunken passengers in the backseat. Much like drunk drivers, distracted drivers display reckless driving habits, including:
All of these aggressive driving behaviors increase the chance of a serious or fatal traffic accident. And with a good chance that an Uber driver has one or several passengers in their vehicle, even more victims are put in harm’s way.
Uber drivers who believe they are excellent multitaskers in the car are mistaken. According to the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.), multitasking is more of a myth than a skill.
A.P.A. studies have found that participating in two complex tasks at the same time, such as checking the Uber app and driving, splits your productivity 50/50 between the two tasks. Neither task receives the full attention required to perform correctly.
Checking a phone while driving can also lead to a phenomenon called inattention blindness. The N.S.C. reports inattention blindness occurs when a person is cognitively distracted and fails to process up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. In this case, Uber drivers miss the opportunity to act on road hazards they might have otherwise seen if they were fully paying attention.
Distracted driving accidents are 100% preventable. The challenges Uber drivers are faced with to earn an income through the app are unfortunate. But there is nothing worth the risk of taking someone’s life that could constitute distracted driving habits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident due to the negligence of a distracted Uber driver, you could be eligible for compensation for any damages sustained.
As Connecticut personal injury experts, we always have your best interests and safety in mind. Our aggressive attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace will help you fight back by providing a free case evaluation to explore all your options for seeking justice against reckless distracted drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your rights for justice.
Several noteworthy laws passed in Connecticut in 2019: the smoking age was raised from 18 to 21, taxes were added to digital purchases, prepared meals, and electronic cigarettes, and minimum wage was increased to $11 per hour.
With the start of a new decade, residents can expect even more legislative changes to arise. According to Patch Connecticut, these are the new laws that took, effect on January 1 that could impact your life significantly in 2020:
One of the first and less exciting new laws you may notice in 2020 is the additional sales tax added to previously exempt items. Services such as dry cleaning, parking, and interior design will now come with an added tax.
More buildings and building owners will be eligible for assistance programs to help repair any crumbling foundation. These structural issues have become a major safety concern in a number of communities across the state.
Connecticut police officers will now be offered more opportunities for training on public safety. This includes an increase in communication training to better serve individuals diagnosed with autism and mental disorders.
A new act bans short-term health insurance policies from using pre-existing condition provisions. This will help thousands of residents who had unfairly gone without health insurance when they needed it the most.
Another new act eliminates the ability previously allowed to insurance companies to place an age restriction on hearing aid coverage. It also requires certain companies to cover the hearing aid costs for any person covered under qualifying plans.
Connecticut drivers can now renew their driver license every eight years rather than the six-year deadline required under the previous law. Vehicle registration renewals have also been extended from every two years to every three years.
Previous law put limitations on the types of mental health services individuals could receive coverage for. This new law prohibits this discriminatory practice and compares the damages of untreated mental illnesses to the similar adverse effects experienced with untreated physical disorders.
A much-needed law went into effect on Jan. 1 eliminating the out of pocket costs for breast ultrasounds and mammograms. These outrageous expenses have resulted in women avoiding vital scans in the past, a dangerous move that can lead to the late diagnosis of serious health conditions such as breast cancer.
Sorry boat enthusiasts. The next time you renew your boat registration, you will be slapped with an additional fee. The new law, aimed to eliminate aquatic invasive species in Connecticut waters, will require a $5 fee for in-state boats and a $20 fee for out-of-state vessels.
Craft beer manufacturers in the state are thrilled about the new laws allowing individuals to buy nine gallons up from nine liters per day for off-premise consumption. Cider manufacturers will now be able to sell products for on-premise consumption, and local breweries will be allowed to sell Connecticut produced wine!
For more information on new laws hitting Connecticut in the New Year, click here for the full list.
If you or a loved has been injured in an accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages suffered. Contact our expert team of accident attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation and to explore your options.
There’s no doubt that advanced technology has significantly benefited the health care industry. But patients considering going under the knife of a surgical robot may want to do their research first.
According to U.S. News and World Report, more than 2,000 patients have been injured, 274 were killed, and 17,000 experienced malfunctions during robotic-assisted surgeries in the last 10 years. If you have been considering a procedure involving a surgical robot, know the risks and benefits before you book your appointment.
It’s important to note that we are in no way giving medical or surgical advice. As dedicated safety and health advocates, we believe it’s of utmost importance to stay informed about your health and the policies and issues that could affect it.
Surgical robots have been around for decades, but they are far from perfect. A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports surgical robots initially became popular around the 1990s as a way to perform minimally invasive surgery. The first robot used in an advanced surgery was called the PUMA 200, a laparoscopic tool used for needle placement during a CT-guided brain biopsy.
Despite the overwhelming benefits of laparoscopic procedures compared to traditional open surgery techniques, advancements since have failed to reduce the risk for errors still causing life-threatening injuries. Some patients have experienced damages from surgical robots such as nicked blood vessels, perforated organs, or internal injuries sustained from instruments and machine parts falling into the operating site. These are the most common risks leading to these accidents patients should be aware of:
Many of the errors caused by surgical robots related to organ nicks and instrument mishaps can be traced back to poor training. Surgeons quoted in the U.S. News article described robotic-assisted surgery as the ‘Wild West’ of surgical training. There are no standardized training or unified credentials for procedures utilizing robotic medical equipment in the United States. Robotic credentialing is currently the responsibility of the hospital where the procedure takes place, and the standards vary greatly nationwide.
Even the best surgeons in the country might not be able to stop an injury caused by malfunctioning or defects of a robot. When a human doctor is conducting surgery, their ability to start and stop what they are doing is almost instant. With a robot, surgeons only have so much control if a defect takes control of the operation, or worse, if a robot ceases to respond during critical maneuvers.
Surgical robots do not make for stress-free surgeries. The robots may be doing some of the work, but surgeons are the ones in control of their actions. One medical professional interviewed by U.S. News reported that procedures he performed using surgical robots were sometimes more stressful. Robot malfunctions have become an additional risk medical professionals must prepare for during surgery. And increased stress in the operating room allows for preventable errors to occur.
Patients considering robotic surgeries must be aware of the dramatic differences when it comes to cost. According to Reuters, robotic-assisted procedures using popular machines such as the one of a kind da Vinci robot system can cost thousands more. Longer operating times and elevated supply costs the overall cost of the procedure to rise, but it doesn’t mean the results will necessarily be more successful.
Some physicians are using surgical robots to perform procedures without evidence to prove they will be successful. In the beginning of 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A) issued a written warning to patients diagnosed with or at risk for breast cancer who were considering robotic-assisted mastectomy procedures. Experts cautioned that a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of surgical robots in removing or preventing breast cancer could cause patients to undergo unnecessary risks. Yet, some surgeons will still offer the option.
Surgical robots are the wave of the future, and there are benefits for qualified candidates, including:
Compared to the rate of medical errors associated with open surgeries, surgical robots have significantly cut down these risks by minimizing the surgical area exposed. Doctors can perform a variety of high-risk procedures with only using small cuts and incisions. They can also precisely place tools in areas of the body they may have done blindly or in good faith without advanced technology.
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, and not every produce can be assisted by a robot.
A study published by JAMA Network identifies the following risk factors than can increase a patient’s chances of complications and injury during a robotic-assisted procedure:
Several procedures have been successfully performed with surgical robots, but not all. These are some of the most common procedures most often completed with robotic-assistance:
If you are considering robotic-assisted surgery for your procedure, talk to your doctor about the risks and emergency plans before you make your decision:
For more information on these procedures and robotic surgery, visit the resources below:
Hospitals and medical professionals have an obligation to prevent their patients from foreseeable harm. If you or a loved has been injured due to the medical negligence of a health care facility or physician, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages suffered. Contact our expert team of medical malpractice attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace for a free consultation and to explore your options.
Staying cozy warm at home is the perfect winter pastime when outdoor temperatures are bitter cold. But if you haven’t prepared to detect for carbon monoxide this year, your family could be heading for tragedy.
Heating systems and other fuel-powered tools can cause deadly carbon monoxide leaks when people are in their homes most of the winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) reports that carbon monoxide (CO) is responsible for 400 deaths, 20,000 hospital visits, and 4,000 hospitalizations every year. Its invisible properties have dubbed the deadly gas the ‘silent killer’. It can’t be seen, smelled, or even tasted, but its effects can be fatal if detected too late.
As your family continues to buckle down for the season, protecting your home from indoor hazards is the key to keeping everyone safe and healthy. Start the winter off right by knowing the CO risks in your home, how to limit your exposure, and what to do if you suspect a deadly leak is present.
Carbon monoxide is found in the fumes released from dozens of appliances and tools we keep around our home all year round. CO can seep through windows, doors, and vents, and it doesn’t take much for someone to become extremely ill.
According to the C.D.C., anything that runs on the following fuels can produce harmful CO:
Between heating systems, appliances, and tools, there are countless ways you can be exposed to carbon monoxide. When the weather is cold, these are the most common culprits to watch for:
Appliances and tools that release CO gas become deadly when the gas is not allowed to dissipate into the air. This can happen when pipes are blocked, cracked, or broken. It can also occur when outdoor tools and appliances that are not meant to be operated in enclosed areas are incorrectly used in garages, crawl spaces, or homes.
Most carbon monoxide leaks in the winter are related to poorly maintained heating systems and the improper use of gas powered equipment. In the month of January, at least two people die every day from carbon monoxide poisoning. Since January is typically the coldest month of the year, people are more likely to kick up the heat and seal doors and windows to prevent drafts. CO that finds its way into the home in these cases is provided no means of escape and builds up to toxic levels in the air.
Individuals who struggle for heat during the winter months have also been known to use gas ovens, portable heaters, outdoor grills, or other emergency heat sources just to fight the cold. These methods produce dangerous amounts of CO and little heat. They often require people to sit close, increasing their exposure to the deadly gas.
Ice and snow can pose a serious problem leading to the buildup of CO when it comes to exhaust pipes. If you are one who likes to warmup your car in the winter, ice and snow can block pipes and cause CO to back up into your vehicle, garage, or even home depending on where you are parked. Snowblowers also produce CO which can be harmful if you are using the tool for an extended period of time.
There are two ways a person can suffer from CO poisoning: exposure to a small amount over a long period of time, or exposure to a lot in a large amount over a short period of time.
Because you cannot detect CO gas by sight, smell, or taste, these symptoms are often the first sign there could be a leak in your home:
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be easily passed off as other ailments such as the flu. If you or a loved one experiences a sudden onset of these symptoms (while in the home), and have not come in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with the flu, exit your home and check your CO levels to ensure your family is safe.
Some populations are more at risk than others of becoming extremely ill from even minimal exposure to carbon monoxide. People who have a history of heart disease or anemia, infants, and individuals over the age of 65 are most at risk for complications related to CO. Making sure to place CO detectors directly in the rooms of at-risk individuals will help prevent long term exposure if any carbon monoxide is present.
Carbon monoxide deaths are 100% preventable using the appropriate safety measures. All homeowners and renters must do their part to reduce CO exposure in their home by following these safety steps this winter:
There are no natural and obvious warning signs to alert you when carbon monoxide is present. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get out first and call 911 immediately after for assistance.
For more information on how to protect your family this year from carbon monoxide, visit the C.D.C.’s Carbon Monoxide Safety page or look for more resources through the Connecticut State Department of Public Health.
The law firm of Jacobs & Wallace wishes everyone a safe and warm winter season!
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, our experienced attorneys at the law firm of Jacobs & Wallace are here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to review your options for seeking justice.
