Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning

New PA law requires landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in all units

You would not move into a house or apartment that did not have a smoke detector – but what about a carbon monoxide detector?  Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and often goes undetected until it is too late.

A new law in Pennsylvania, the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act,   requires landlords to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in all of their units by June, 2015.  Pennsylvania is reportedly among the states with the most accidental carbon monoxide poisonings in the country. Whether law requires it or not, it is best practice for all homeowners and renters to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. They are generally inexpensive and it is the only means of detecting an otherwise undetectable substance that could cause serious harm or death. […]

Watch your step! Lawyers warn, it’s slip and fall season

It’s slick out there today. Winter in our home region of Northeast Pennsylvania means the roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are likely to be slippery this time of year.
Slip and fall injuries are more common than you might think – according to the National Floor Safety Institute,  8 million people end up in the emergency room each year as the result of a fall. Slip and fall incidents are also the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and lost days from work.

The results of a slip and fall can be very serious. Injuries can range from sprains and bruises to broken bones, back, neck, spine, or brain injuries.

Elderly people are even more at risk for falls. The New York Times recently published a fascinating two-part series titled, “After the Fall,” illustrating the risks faced by America’s aging population, and how a fall can be a life-altering event. […]

Amusement park accidents occur every day causing personal injury and even death

Roller coasters and other amusement park rides are traditionally associated with summertime family fun. Each year, the nation’s 400 amusement parks have 300 million visitors, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Although injury and death from amusement park rides are rare, thousands of injuries do occur each year, and there are also many deaths.

Just this month, CNN reported that four people were injured on the Ninja roller coaster ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. The front part of the roller coaster detached from the track and dangled at a 45-degree angle, pointing to the ground. The derailment happened after a tree branch fell onto the track. The derailment is the latest in a series of roller coaster accidents in recent years.

A fatal roller coaster accident occurred in Spain’s Terra Mitica amusement park earlier this month when an 18-year old boy from Iceland riding the Inferno roller coaster died after his seat harness failed and he was thrown from the ride. […]

Your First Steps After a Slip and Fall

An unmarked area of spillage on a hotel lobby’s floor. An unmaintained stairwell that’s missing the proper railing. An untreated patch of ice on a train platform. These are all examples of potential safety hazards that could lead to a dangerous slip and fall for anyone in the vicinity.

According to the National Safety Council, “Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States.” Reportedly, falls account for 8.9 million visits to emergency rooms each year, as well as more than 25,000 fatalities — an occurrence that can increase with age. Falls can happen on the job, at a restaurant, at a grocery store, at a school, and even at a private residence.

Regardless of who you initially think may be at fault, there are certain action steps you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights if you ever find yourself in such a situation:

1. Keep calm and call for help. […]

Abington Heights Swimming Pool Closed For Chloramine Risk

Concerned parents present chloramine study to school board, cause temporary pool closure

Officials have closed a swimming pool at Abington Heights High School for possible air-quality dangers after children who swam there began suffering respiratory problems.

The move came one day after concerned parents voiced fears for their children’s safety to the Abington Heights School Board. At the meeting, parents presented a research paper by a national expert on the chloramines risk of indoor pools.

The high school facility was used for meets by the varsity swim team. It was also a practice facility for younger children.

School officials said they were closing the pool as a “precautionary measure.”

Following is from The Scranton Times-Tribune:

At the school board meeting on Wednesday, a number of parents shared stories of how their children had difficulty breathing after and throughout swim practice – some saying their kids had to stop halfway through to walk into the hallway and catch their breath. […]