The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that falls from heights are responsible for one-third of construction fatalities. Employers could have prevented many of these. Safety precautions that save lives are no mystery. Such things as personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets make construction work safer. Too often, however, workers...
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Federal Safety Board Blasts DC Metro for Negligent Safety Attitude and Defective Machinery
The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) recently completed its investigation of the DC Metro accident that killed nine people in June of 2009. The accident occurred just after 5 p.m. during the busy rush hour commute home. A red line Metro train slammed into the back of another one outside of Fort...
Read More3 Kids Hurt at Popular Maryland Amusement Park, State Safety Officials to Investigate
For the most part, amusement parks and roller coasters are a safe way for a family to get outside and have fun. Government agencies and park management regularly inspect rides to ensure that park visitors are not at risk. Despite these safety efforts, however, injuries frequently occur at amusement parks and on roller coaster...
Read MoreDC-Based Chemical Safety Board Sent to Pennsylvania to Investigate 2 Deaths in Explosion at Zinc Plant
Representatives from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, a Washington, D.C.-based federal agency, recently visited a zinc plant in Pennsylvania after an explosion killed two workers and injured two more. The two killed were members of the United Steelworkers Local 8183 union and died as a result of suffocation from smoke inhalation. If unsafe...
Read MorePolice Suspect Alcohol Played Role in Weekend, High-Speed Boating Accident That Killed One, Injured Nine
Emergency responders described a boating accident in Northern Virginia a few weekends ago as one of the worst they have ever seen. The crash scene included shattered glass and fiberglass, severely injured people treading water holding onto steel marker beams to keep from floating away, and beer cans strewn about. One person died in...
Read MoreTwo-Year Anniversary of DC Cyclist Death Prompts Bicycling Safety Reminders for Drivers
Bicycling advocates in Washington, D.C. recently marked the two-year anniversary of the death of a 22-year-old woman on R and 20th Streets in downtown DC. The young woman died in a crash that safety advocates call a “right hook”. She was wearing a helmet and bicycling in the bicycle lane with the green light...
Read MoreRefilled Propane Tank Explodes, Nearly Killing Maryland Man
More and more people take to grilling and cooking outside during the warm weather and holidays of the summer months. Many use propane tanks, which are normally extremely safe to use. A Department of Energy study found that the risk of death associated with propane storage and transportation was only about one per 37...
Read More11-Year-Old Texas Boy Killed at Dangerous DC Intersection, Neighbors Call for Traffic Light
Dangerous and poorly designed intersections account for approximately one-fourth of traffic deaths each year in the United States. Victims of intersection accidents may be able to obtain compensation from two parties. First, they may have a claim against the government for the unsafe design and inadequate warnings at an intersection. Second, they may have...
Read MoreNew Virginia Laws Target Texting and E-mailing While Driving
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and to keep up on what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, many people choose to use this technology irresponsibly and place their own lives and others’ lives in danger. A recent survey indicated that over a fourth of cell...
Read MoreDC Metro Authority Removes 100 Rail Cars from Service for Circuit Repairs
The Washington Metro Transit Authority removed several rail cars from service a few weekends ago due to safety problems. The move affected rush hour commutes the following week and authorities expect such delays to last several, additional weeks as up to 100 rail cards require servicing. Metro officials tested the aging cars and learned...
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