Rancho Mirage Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Hotel workers nationwide, including in California, are incredibly vulnerable when they work alone in areas such as guest rooms where they are isolated. Too many hotel workers fall victim to sexual assault and harassment in the hospitality industry. Although the state-regulated workers' compensation system covers work-related injuries, proving these incidents to be related to one's job could be challenging. However, victims might have grounds to file third-party claims.

Safety authorities representing the largest hotel companies in the world recently stepped up and announced that their employees would be equipped with electronic panic buttons or devices to be used to call for help. Furthermore, these hotels will establish anti-harassment policies and provide workers with relevant safety training. The American Hotel and Lodging Assn. chief executive says tens-of-thousands of workers will benefit from this initiative.

Every member of the California workforce faces some risks in his or her occupation, regardless of whether it is in an office, a construction site or a film set. Several lawsuits have been filed against television studios and cable networks in recent years. Just like any other employer, employers in the entertainment industry must protect the health and safety of employees by eliminating known hazards that could cause workplace injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched an investigation into a recent workplace accident that occurred on a set of CBS Television Studios in another state. Reportedly, for unknown reasons, the stunt coordinator performed a stunt during which he was injured. This was unusual because setting up safe stunts for stunt workers to perform is typically the responsibility of the coordinator and not the actual performing of dangerous stunts.

Outdoor workers in California are familiar with the threats posed by the harsh heat of the sun every summer. However, with the many devastating fires raging across the state, workers are now also exposed to the hazards of smoke. While poor air quality and inhalation of smoke can cause serious workplace injuries through illness, it was observed that outdoor workers appeared a whole lot better prepared for the problems associated with heat exposure.

Although the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued advisories and safety guidelines to protect workers in wildfire areas, outdoor workers in the entire state are now at risk. Along with workers in agriculture, construction, logging and transportation, others at risk include employees of landscapers and tree services, outdoor restaurant facilities and more. While some of these industries can limit the times that employees spend outdoors, others have no option.

First responders and law enforcement in California never know where their next call will take them, nor do they know to what they will be exposed. A sheriff's deputy in Mendocino County recently suffered temporary disability after he was exposed to a dangerous type of pesticide. The exposure happened during the execution of a search warrant.

Reportedly, the deputy was at the premises of a suspected illegal marijuana growing operation. During the search, an insecticide that is banned in the United States was discovered. Metamidofos is listed as a restricted product by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is a trans-dermal chemical that can enter the body through inhalation and the skin.