Causes of Nail Gun Accidents

Several risk factors can lead to nail gun accidents. A primary factor is the firing mechanism, which is based on the type of gun. The risk of injury is twice as high using a nail gun with a bump or contact trip trigger compared to one with a single shot or full sequential trigger.

Common causes of nail gun accidents include:

• Accidental double fire: Contact nail triggers can fire unexpectedly, especially if used by an improperly trained operator.
• Nail gun blowout: This occurs when the nail hits a knot in a piece of lumber and flies off in another direction, often airborne.
• Bumping the safety contact: The gun can fire one or several nails if the user holds down the trigger and the safety contact is bumped.
• Awkward Position Nailing: Working below knee level, above shoulder height, or from an elevated platform can make nailing mistakes more likely.
• Misses: A nail that misses the workpiece can become airborne, endangering workers who are working with or near the nail gun.
• Nail ricochet off a hard surface: This can occur when working with metal surfaces or dense materials. A nail that ricochets after striking a hard surface can land in the next convenient object.

Common Types of Nail Gun Injuries

With firing speeds of up to 1,400 feet per second, nail guns can easily drive a nail through human flesh and bone. Over 50% of nail gun injuries are puncture wounds to the fingers, wrist, or hand. These injuries can damage the nerves, bones, tendons, and joints. Lower extremities such as the knee, foot, thigh, and leg are the second most common type of body part injured in nail gun accidents. Serious nail gun injuries have resulted in bone fractures, brain damage, eye injuries, paralysis, and even death.

Nail gun safety training and adherence to safety standards set by OSHA and NIOSH are essential for all workers on the job site.

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Common Summer Work Injuries

Skin Conditions: Repeated prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases the risk of developing skin conditions. There’s also the likelihood of cuts and wounds due to improper use of gloves when handling sharp equipment, improper guarding around machines that use chains and blades, and use of blunt blades for cutting. Surface wounds like abrasions, scrapes, and blisters make up 11% of summer workplace injuries while open wounds such as incisions and punctures account for 10% of the injuries.

Falls: While falls can happen at any time, they’re more likely to increase during the summer months due to severe summer storms and the demand for outdoor work like construction and landscaping. Falls may be a result of heatstroke or dehydration. Workers may become dizzy and lose their balance or faint. Falls can result in an array of injuries, such as broken bones and head trauma.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overheats due to overexposure to high temperatures. This usually affects workers who spend long hours outside. Symptoms of heat stroke include nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, and confusion.

Sprains, Strains, and Tear: These account for more than 40% of summer workplace injuries. They occur when workers lift excessively heavy objects, use tools that are not ergonomically sound, and walk on slippery, obstructed, and slippery surfaces.

Reducing Workplace Injuries During the Summer Months

The start of the summer season is a good time for employers to evaluate their safety practices and remind employees of the measures they should take to prevent injuries. Employers need to develop and implement an effective injury prevention plan and a medical monitoring program for exposed workers. They should also notify employees of the dangers of heat stress and train them to prevent and mitigate heat-related stress. It’s also crucial for employers to increase ventilation, provide a water station and cool-down area, encourage workers to take frequent breaks, and inform them of the type of clothing or PPE they should wear.

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Reporting Even When the Injury Is Not Apparent

Workers should report accidents to the employer even if they are seemingly unscathed. The symptoms of some conditions can take days or longer to develop. For instance, if a worker suffers a back injury while lifting a heavy box, immediate medical treatment may not be required if it doesn’t hurt much. If the worker fails to report the incident to the supervisor, and the back starts acting up weeks later, the employer can deny treatment because the injury was not reported when it first happened. Reporting within 24 hours helps protect an employee’s right to worker’s compensation benefits if symptoms become apparent weeks or months after the incident.

Verbal Reporting Is Not Sufficient

Verbal reporting puts an injured worker at risk to have a negative consequence in their claim. A worker should not rely on indications by the supervisor that the injury will be reported to a manager or human resources. It’s important to file an internal accident report form and a Form C-1, Nevada’s Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease-Incident Report. Form C-1 needs completion within 7 days from the time of the injury.

If, after verbal reporting, the supervisor does not prepare a report or fails to provide an accident reporting form, the injured worker should write a letter explaining how the injury occurred, where and when it occurred, and which area of the body was injured. The worker should date the letter, make a copy of it, and deliver the original copy to the supervisor.

Consulting a Doctor

After a workplace injury, it’s crucial for workers to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Under Nevada law, injured employees must get medical care from a doctor selected by their employer. During the visit, the injured employee should tell the doctor how the work injury was caused and discuss any symptoms experienced. If the injured worker is not satisfied with the care received at the visit, the worker can choose an alternative physician within 90 days after the injury.

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The Inception of Workplace Safety

The evolution of occupational health and safety started in the 1970s. It began with the formation of the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a not-for-profit organization that offers accredited credentialing for health, safety, and environmental practitioners. The organization establishes standards in professional safety practice. Between 1960 and 1991, Liberty Mutual developed Manual-Handling Task Guidelines, which are based on tables that highlight the capability and limitations of workers handling lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, and lowering tasks. The aim is to reduce low back disability.

The national workplace safety culture in the US was formally initiated in 1970 following the formation of OSHA. The agency was formed to collect data, release reports, and pass health and safety standards that address issues related to known workplace hazards. Before OSHA’s inception, it was estimated that 14,000 workers died on the job. The number of fatalities has decreased yearly to 5,250 in 2018 even as total employment numbers grew twofold.

Growth of Workplace Robotics Development

The first robot in a manufacturing operation was implemented by General Motors in 1962. By the latter half of the 70s, factories were using fully electrically-driven robots and the first generation of arc welding robots. The Research Institute at Liberty Mutual continued its work in the 1980s, studying repetitive stress injuries. The research led to the development of guidelines for repetitive wrist motion and the 1994 Musculoskeletal Stress Measurement Kit.

In 1990, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) was formed for research, education, occupational safety, and health development. The foundation funds fellowships, internships, scholarships, and research grants. ASSE later collaborated with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering to start a week focused on drawing attention to workplace safety measures. In 2001, Liberty Mutual’s Research Institute developed the Quantitative Analysis Unit (QAU) to conduct research on the leading causes of disabling workplace injuries and illnesses. The QAU was renamed the Center for Injury Epidemiology in 2006.

Modern Technology for Workplace Safety

In 2008, Linatex introduced the first collaborative robot (cobot). Cobots are intended for direct human-robot interaction within a shared space and have found numerous applications in different industries. In 2017, workplaces began incorporating apps that alert workers to hazards and allow employers and supervisors to identify and address safety concerns early. In 2018 and 2019, major automakers started using exoskeletons in their factories to help workers reach overhead while reducing muscle load. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, innovations in occupational health and safety are centered on disease detection and prevention.

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IPOF strives to reduce the financial burden caused by medical expenses, an officer’s inability to work, or the death of an officer killed in the line of duty. The organization helps settle expenses not covered by industrial insurance for severe line of duty injuries or death. Some of these expenses include child care expenses not normally incurred, compensation for damaged equipment, and other expenses based on the facts of the case.

The History of the Injured Police Officer Fund

The IPOF was established in October 1982 following the shooting of Officer James MacLaren during a traffic stop. While he survived his injuries, the incident forced him into medical retirement. Sheriff John Moran and his wife organized a nighttime event that served as IPOF’s first fundraiser. The money raised during this event was given to the MacLaren family and that’s how the idea of IPOF started.

Member Agencies of IPOF

After its conception in 1982, the IPOF represented North Las Vegas Police, Henderson Police, the Southern Region of Nevada Highway Patrol, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and Boulder City Police. Later, the Mesquite Police, the City of Las Vegas Detention and Enforcement, Clark County School District Police, Clark County Park Police, and University of Nevada Las Vegas Police Department. To date, IPOF has 11 member agencies.

The IPOF is represented by Officers from each of the member agencies. The officers are appointed by their agency’s Chief of Police or Sheriff of Clark County, in the case of LVMPD Officers. The appointed officers volunteer their time to duties associated with IPOF.

IPOF Funding and Community Works

Every year, the Injured Police Officers Fund usually holds at least two major fundraisers: The annual IPOF Classic Car Show and the annual IPOF Golf Tournament. IPOF also holds several benefiting events such as the LVMPD K9 Trials, the Nevada Police and Fire Games, and The Thin Blue Line Hockey Tournament. The organization also works with several community non-profit organizations within Las Vegas, including friends of Metro K9.

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When Does Nevada MedPay Coverage Apply?

MedPay Insurance applies anytime the policyholder or an immediate family member is injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. If the policyholder was driving at the time of the accident, it also covers passengers in the vehicle. MedPay also covers the policyholder even when they’re a passenger in a car driven by someone else or if they’re hit by a vehicle as they walk down the street.

MedPay would likely cover when:

• The insured is hit by a bus while crossing a strip.
• The policyholder suffers brain injury following a car accident.
• The policyholder’s vehicle is rear-ended in a trucking accident and a passenger sustains a spinal injury.
• The insured’s spouse is hit by a motorcycle while walking down the street.
• A loved one is killed in a bus accident on her way home.

Expenses Covered by MedPay Insurance

After an auto accident, MedPay covers necessary and reasonable medical bills and/or funeral costs, up to the policy limits. The expenses can include hospital stays, doctor’s bills, X-rays and MRIs, surgery bills, prosthetics, dental expenses, ambulance and EMT expenses, occupational or physical therapy, chiropractor bills, short/long-term care, and funeral expenses. Things that may not be covered include car repair bills or property damage, expenses incurred while driving in a piece of equipment attached to a vehicle, and medical bills that exceed a person’s MedPay policy limits.

Benefits of Purchasing MedPay Insurance

This policy is typically well worth the cost. It covers the insured anywhere they’re regardless of the type of accident or fault. It also provides coverage for the passengers and the policyholder’s family. Unlike most liability insurance, MedPay does not require co-pays or deductibles, and the premiums won’t be raised or dropped when claims are submitted. It also doesn’t dictate the type of medical provider a policyholder can visit after an accident. Also, Nevada law prevents subrogation of MedPay coverage. There’s no obligation to reimburse other insurers for the medical expenses paid before the MedPay funds were released.

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Understanding Chronic Pain    

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more. It’s usually persistent and continues long after its cause is gone. Chronic pain can be caused by a single traumatic injury, injury from cumulative stress, or a disease. In the workplace, many types of job duties can cause the type of traumatic or stress injury that can lead to chronic pain. For instance, jobs that require repetitive motions such as assembly line and clerical work can cause cumulative injuries like joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Slip and fall accidents and heavy labor requiring repeated lifting can cause chronic back pain.

When a person endures pain day after day, it can interfere with their quality of life, daily life activities, and ability to work. Symptoms of chronic pain resulting from a work injury include throbbing pain, burning pain, stiffness, skin discoloration, swelling, soreness, stinging, and sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures. The stress brought on by the stress of living with excruciating pain can also cause secondary problems, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and loss of sleep. These problems may increase the sensation of pain.

Treatment for chronic pain may include medications, brain stimulation or local electrical stimulation, physical therapy, acupuncture, or surgery. Some individuals may benefit from psychotherapy, behavior modification, biofeedback, relaxation therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Workers’ Compensation Claims for Chronic Pain

Since chronic pain is a common medical condition, it’s not acceptable to rule out a complaint as phony. A worker suffering from chronic pain may qualify for worker’s compensation benefits if they can show that the condition was directly caused by a work-related injury. The benefits can cover payments for all necessary medical treatment.

Nevada’s worker’s compensation law requires benefit applicants to provide relevant medical documentation from the treating doctor. The doctor should state that there’s a direct link between the injuries and their job duties.  Also, an injured worker may need a worker’s compensation attorney if the employer or insurer is arguing that the chronic pain is unrelated to the job duties or accident.

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Not Reporting the Injury in a Timely Manner

Many employees don’t report injuries immediately due to a fear of retaliation. However, a workplace injury should be reported right away, even when it seems minor. In Nevada, an injured worker must file an incident report with his or her employer within 7 days of the accident. A worker who fails to report an accident quickly runs the risk of having a case’s integrity questioned.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention

When it comes to pursuing benefits, seeking medical attention is crucial. Some accidents cause immediate and obvious injuries, but others may not show symptoms until days or weeks later. Medical records play a vital role in a workers’ compensation claim. The doctor will include information about the extent of the injuries and how they affect a person’s life. If an injured worker fails to see a doctor right after the accident, an insurer may say there’s insufficient evidence showing direct causation between the accident and the injuries.

Failing to Report All Injuries

An injured worker must be completely transparent when it comes to the facts about the accident. A victim should disclose any information regarding past work-related injuries and pre-existing conditions, even if not related to the current incident. A failure to do so can result in allegations of fraudulent behavior. 

Turning Down a Work Position

After medical examination, a doctor will tell the worker about his or her work status, which can be “light work,” “work with restrictions,” or “no work.” An employee is obligated to take the position offered based on the assigned status. If they fail to return to work or turn down the offer, it could be considered a voluntary refusal of income.

Not Hiring an Attorney

Attempting to win a workers’ compensation case without representation is difficult, especially if concerns are raised or the claim is denied. It’s imperative for victims to hire a workers’ comp lawyer to help reveal defenses that the opposing party might try to use. Getting legal representation increases the victim’s chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible.

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It’s normal for front tires to wear faster than rear tires due to their responsibility for transmitting steering, acceleration, and most of the braking force. If the tires aren’t rotated regularly, it’s likely that the rear ones will still have about half of their original tread depth remaining.

Avoiding Oversteer and Hydroplaning

The worst combination for driving dynamics and handling is to have new tires on the front axles and worn tires on the rear. Incorrect placement of replacement tires can lead to oversteer, understeer, and hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning takes place when a tire fails to process enough water through its tread to ensure effective contact with the road. When it rains, water can pool up in road depressions, ruts, and pockets adjacent to pavement joints. At higher speeds, this pooling water challenges the ability of a tire to resist hydroplaning. The occurrence of hydroplaning depends on water depth, vehicle speed and weight, tire size, air pressure, tread depth, and tread design. In a heavy downpour, a lightweight vehicle with wide, underinflated, and worn tires will hydroplane at lower speeds compared to a heavyweight vehicle with new, properly inflated, and narrow tires.

When the front tires have significantly less tread depth, they’ll begin to hydroplane and lose traction before the rear tires. While this will cause the skidpad to understeer, it’s relatively easy for the driver to maintain control because releasing the vehicle will slow down when the gas pedal is released. However, when new tires with significantly more tread depth are installed on the front axle, the rear tires will begin to hydroplane on wet roads before the front ones.  This will result in oversteer – an action that involves the back end trying to steer the vehicle, causing the rear tires to slide sideways. Oversteer is far more difficult for drivers to control. Trying to quickly release the gas pedal or apply the brakes to slow down will lighten the rear of the vehicle and possibly cause a complete spinout.

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The following are some facts to keep in mind when it comes to fires on Thanksgiving Day, which are from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Home cooking fires take place most often on Thanksgiving Day, ahead of the day before Thanksgiving along with Christmas Day and Eve.
• The leading cause of cooking fires and deaths resulting from fires in 2017 was unattended cooking.
• Cooking equipment was found to be involved in nearly half of the fires that occurred that year.

Considering these findings, it’s important to practice safe cooking throughout Thanksgiving and other holidays.

Tips for Preventing Thanksgiving Fires

The following are some tips that homeowners can take to stay safe and prevent potential fires over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Stay in the Kitchen When Using the Stove

If cooking with the stovetop, it’s always best to stay in the kitchen to ensure that nothing goes wrong. An unattended stove could result in spillage and splashing, along with potential fires.

Make Sure Children Aren’t Near the Stove When Cooking

Protect children and prevent mishandling of items on the stove by keeping children away from the stovetop. Children should remain at least three feet away from the stove at all times to avoid burns and other types of injuries.

Remain in the Home When Cooking

Whenever cooking a turkey or other meal in the oven, stay in the home and keep an eye on it. Even if a meal takes a long time to cook and a quick drive to the store for additional items seems doable, that brief moment of negligence could enable a potentially deadly fire to break out and spread.

Keep Electric Supplies Out of Reach of Children

All electric cords should be safely kept away from children. Make sure no cords are dangling off of countertops or other surfaces where a child may be able to reach and grab them.

Be Careful with Candles

Candles may also be lit to set the mood in the evenings on Thanksgiving. Children should never be left alone in a room with a lit candle. Lighters and matches should also be kept out of reach.

Test Smoke Detectors

Homeowners can also test smoke alarms to ensure they’re in working order, and replace batteries if needed.

With these tips in mind, homeowners will be able to keep themselves and their loved ones safe throughout Thanksgiving.

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