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Parking lot accidents spike during the holiday season

From now until the end of December, holiday shoppers will be out in full force. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, drivers and pedestrians are more distracted than ever, especially in parking lots and garages. The Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys want to remind everyone to slow down and take care as you run your holiday errands this season.

Parking lot car crashes and pedestrian accidents

Many drivers tend to be less cautious when navigating a parking lot than out on the open road. In a National Safety Council poll, more than half of respondents said they would be likely to talk on the phone, text, program their GPS, use social media, and even check email when driving through a parking lot or parking structure. Add to that the distraction of to-do lists, […]

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Trucking companies to increase testing for deadly sleep apnea

Truck drivers face high risk for sleep apnea

Trucking companies may more frequently screen their drivers for sleep apnea in an effort to combat drowsy driving accidents.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes breathing to start and stop during sleep, leading to less restful sleep and increased drowsiness. For drivers, especially truckers, bus drivers, or train engineers, drowsiness can become deadly.

Why test truck drivers for sleep apnea?

Truck drivers’ concern with sleep apnea is twofold. Their profession makes them both more likely to develop sleep apnea, and more at risk of death from its effects.

Driving a truck involves sitting for long periods of time, eating at truck stops along the road, and irregular sleeping schedules. Factors that can contribute to sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, bad diet, and poor sleep habits. […]

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Construction workers say productivity trumps safety

In America’s deadliest industry, construction workers say safety takes a back seat

A recent National Safety Council survey found that more than half of construction workers (58%) perceive that safety takes a back seat to productivity on their job sites.

To gauge employee perceptions about workplace safety, the NSC interviewed 2,000 American workers across 14 industries.

Of construction workers surveyed, 51% say management does the bare minimum when it comes to safety; 47% say they’d feel afraid to report a safety issue. These numbers are alarming, especially considering the fact that construction has more workplace fatalities than any other industry in the U.S.

No worker should feel stuck between losing their job, or losing their life. Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health said,“When workers can’t speak up, […]

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New tech solutions for truck safety

As truck accident lawyers, we don’t just handle truck accident cases, we also strive to improve safety on our nation’s highways. We regularly join with other advocates across the country in support of better safety laws and regulations. Sometimes, working toward change can feel like an uphill battle. So, it’s especially gratifying to see trucking companies and researchers voluntarily investing in safety technology that will save lives.

Artificial Daylight to Improve Trucker Health, Safety

One exciting tech solution to a serious truck safety issue is the use of artificial daylight in truck cabs.

Logging 10+ hour days and making long overnight trips can take a toll on truck drivers’ physical and mental health. It also presents a safety hazard – a drowsy driver behind the wheel of an 80,000lb vehicle can spell disaster. So,  researchers in Germany sought to counteract the effects of darkness on the brain.   […]

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What to Do if Your Vehicle Breaks Down

Car trouble can be a nightmare any time of the year, but winter weather conditions can make even common mishaps more dangerous.

According to PennDOT, it’s Winter Driving Awareness Week. We’ve already shared some winter weather driving tips to help you stay safe in the ice and snow. But what if your car breaks down? The first step to staying safe is to not panic. Check out the tips below in the case of a wintertime breakdown.

What to do if your car breaks down

1. Pay attention to your vehicle and assess the problem. If you notice steering problems, unusual noises, smoke, or other warning signs, remain calm. Don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings; note your location, put your blinker on, and find a place to pull over.

2. Carefully pull off of the road, if possible. The ideal place to pull over is, […]

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5 Tips to Stay Safe at the Water Park

Are you planning a trip to a water park this summer?

Water parks are a popular destination for people looking to cool down in the summer heat, especially in landlocked states like Pennsylvania.There are numerous water parks in our area, including Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, Montage Mountain, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Knoebels Crystal Pool, Kalahari Resort, CamelBeach Mountain Waterpark, Aquatopia, and more.

Last week, an 8-year-old boy died after he was found unresponsive in the water at Knoebels Crystal Pool. Investigators say the cause of death is still inconclusive, but this tragedy serves as a reminder that drowning can occur even in shallow water in a controlled environment.

Possible water park hazards include dehydration, too much sun, chlorine poisoning, slip and falls, and drowning. We’ve got 5 easy tips to help keep you and your family safe during your next water park visit. […]

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Jeep that Killed Actor Anton Yelchin was Under Recall

What may appear to be a freak accident may actually be the result of a widespread safety problem that has caused hundreds of crashes across the United States in recent months.

The vehicle that killed actor Anton Yelchin, 27, was part of a safety recall issued two months ago. Yelchin was crushed to death when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled backward down his driveway and pinned him against a fence.

Yelchin’s Jeep was included in a recall that was issued after hundreds of similar – but nonfatal – accidents were reported. Due to a gear shift problem, drivers can mistakenly believe their car is in park, when it is actually in drive or neutral. The confusion stems from a monostable gear shift lever, which rests in a default position, unlike the traditional gear shift, which moves to a different position for each gear. […]

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Swimming Pool Accidents a Leading Cause of Death Among Children

Swimming pool accidents and drownings can occur at any time of the year, but during the summer, people are especially likely to be swimming in a pool whether it is at home, at a friend’s house, or a private or public swimming pool. Even seemingly safe swimming areas can present hazards, and children are most at risk. Fortunately, a little knowledge of the hidden dangers can help prevent swimming accidents from happening.

When children are swimming in an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, public pool, lake, pond, creek,  or any other body of water, large or small, close and constant supervision is of the utmost importance, even when a lifeguard is on duty. This is especially true for parents of very young children. For children ages 1-4, an adult should be within arm’s reach at all times, and not be distracted by any other activity.

Helping Older Kids With Swimming Dangers

For older children, […]

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Proposed Law: Fine Truckers for Uncleared Snow, Ice

A law proposed by state Senator Lisa Boscola would impose fines on truck drivers who do not clear ice and snow from their vehicles before driving.

In the winter, it’s common to see chunks of ice and snow flying off the tops of large trucks as they go barreling down the highway.  For drivers traveling behind these trucks, frozen projectiles can hit their windshields and obstruct their vision, or even cause damage. Or, drivers might swerve to avoid being hit, and get into an accident. The proposed bill has been re-introduced with safety in mind. In 2005, a woman from Jim Thorpe, PA, was killed when a chunk of ice dislodged and flew into her windshield.

Under the current law, truck drivers are only penalized if someone gets seriously injured or killed.  Fines range from $200-$1,000 for each offense. […]

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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. […]

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GM issued 75th recall of the year this week while ignition switch death toll rose to 24

Not even the police are safe in General Motors cars. GM announced its 75th recall of 2014 earlier this week, recalling 7,600 Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles, because of a transmission issue. The Detroit News reported that the vehicles could roll away when the drivers believed they were in park. This recall marked GM’s seventh recall in nine days.

GMs recalls now total approximately 30 million vehicles. The most recent recall includes the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years. GM said that the cars, which were imported from Australia, could be shifted out of park without a foot on the brake pedal. The problem may also enable the driver to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in park. This could cause a potential roll away hazard and increasing the risk of injury to occupants exiting the vehicle or people walking nearby. […]

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GM issues more recalls for safety issues

General Motors issued six more recalls on Friday totaling more than 312,000 vehicles. The recalls put GM’s total for the year to 66 recalls of just over 29 million cars and trucks.

Friday’s recalls included more than 215,000 Saturn Vue SUVs, 2002 through 2004 model years for an ignition key cylinder problem, saying the keys can be removed when the ignitions are not in the off position and the engine is still running. The problem has been linked to crashes. GM has discontinued this vehicle and the Saturn brand.

Other GM U.S. recalls that were announced Friday include:

• 2013 Cadillac ATS four-door sedans and 2013 Buick Encores in the U.S. for an issue with front seat belt pretensioner cables.
• 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala sedans for a problem with the front console storage compartment latch opening in a rear crash. […]

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Judge declares mistrial in Trinity guardrail lawsuit case

A federal judge in Texas declared a mistrial in the possible billion-dollar whistleblower lawsuit involving guardrails that are found on many of our nation’s highways.

The whistleblower and former industry business owner, Joshua Harman, filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the American public claiming that Trinity guardrails, the ET-Plus model, are dangerous and deadly. The lawsuit contends that the guardrails were never properly tested or properly approved by the government. The allegations against Trinity Industries Inc., one of the biggest guardrail makers in the U.S., include that the highway guardrail systems are a deadly hazard that can spear cars on impact.

According to Bloomberg News, Trinity first gained federal approval for its ET-Plus end terminal in 2000. Harman’s suit alleges that the company changed the dimensions of the ET-Plus sometime between 2002 and 2005 without telling federal authorities. Apparently, Trinity modified an energy-absorbing end terminal, […]

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The hazards of summer driving

Summer may bring bright skies and sunny weather, but motorists still need to be cautious when driving on our nation’s highways. The clear conditions may cause some to throw caution to the wind and act carelessly, speeding or simply not paying attention. Pennsylvania State Police also report an increase in traffic and motorist assists throughout the summer.

In addition to normal daily traffic this time of year, the roads are filled with travelers heading to their summer vacation destinations. Following are some driving hazards to watch for this summer. With a little planning, many can be avoided.

• Summer Breakdowns – High temperature can aggravate existing tire damage and cause blowouts and flats. Overheating is another frequent issue for drivers in the summer. The high temperatures and increased use of the car’s air conditioner can cause cooling system problems. Low coolant levels, leaks, and broken electric cooling fans can all result in overheating and damage. […]

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The GM recall nightmare continues with more safety issues

The number of vehicles involved in the GM recall rose yesterday to 29 as GM recalled another 2.4 million cars and trucks. That brings the number of vehicles called in to repair defects this year alone to a record 13.6 million in the US. According to the Boston Globe, that’s more than the total number of cars GM sold in the US in the last five years, and surpasses GM’s previous US recall record of 10.75 million vehicles, set in 2004.

The latest recalls are to repair problems with safety belts in several crossover models, in addition to problems with airbags, gearshifts and retention clips in other cards. The recalls include Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from the 2009-2013 model years. It also covers 2009-2010 Saturn Outlooks for a problem with the front safety lap belt cables. 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibus and 2005-2008 Pontiac G6s with four-speed automatic transmission have been recalled for a problem with the gearshift cable. […]

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OSHA issues plan to help reduce workplace accidents, deaths

OSHA recently announced this year’s Site-Specific Targeting (SST) plan for general industry employers with 20 or more employees. The primary inspection list for federal OSHA jurisdiction will be comprised of 1,260 establishments in what the agency describes as high-hazard, non-construction industries.

It is OSHA’s goal that the inspection plan will reduce the number of injuries and illnesses that occur at individual workplaces by directing enforcement resources to workplaces with the highest rates of illness and injury. OSHA said the plan is based on survey data of 80,000 employers in high-hazard industries.

Those industries surveyed and targeted include manufacturing, trucking, warehousing, air transportation and courier services, automobiles, construction materials, scrap and waste, groceries, poultry products, department stores, and medical facilities. Among other things, the directive provides a checklist for compliance, safety, and health officers and provides scheduling and inspection procedures.

According to the US Department of Labor, […]

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Snow and Frigid Temperatures Cause Dangerous Road Conditions in Pennsylvania

Snowy road conditions have already caused hundreds of accidents in Pennsylvania this winter, shutting down highways and resulting in deaths and many injuries. During a sudden heavy storm over the recent holidays, a chain reaction crash involving 35 vehicles closed down a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Several tractor-trailers were mixed in the wreckage, which caused a 4-mile traffic jam. Ten people were taken to area hospitals.

According to a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer, those same wintry conditions existed when more than 40 vehicles piled up in multiple crashes on I-78, closing the interstate for a time, and resulting in more than 60 injuries. State Police also reported that sudden snow squalls causing numerous accidents resulted in the Northeast Extension of the turnpike being closed on Christmas Eve from Clarks Summit to Allentown. Numerous accidents have also been reported on smaller roadways throughout Pennsylvania.

Advice from Pennsylvania personal injury attorney Julia Munley on what to do if you are in an accident. […]

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A Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer tells you what you should do right after a car accident

Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer: After you get into an accident, there are things that you can choose to DO and NOT DO right afterward that may affect your injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company.

A Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer will advise doing the following right after the accident takes place:

• Stay inside your vehicle unless it’s too dangerous to do so
• Turn on your hazard lights
• Call 911 even if the accident didn’t seem too bad
• Seek medical help for anyone involved in the accident if needed
• Don’t move any vehicles or alter the scene unless you have to
• Don’t leave the scene
• Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of everybody involved in the accident, including witnesses
• Write down the names/badge numbers of police officers who come to investigate
• Take pictures of injures and damage
• DON’T admit fault
• Call your insurance company right away and let them know what happened
• DON’T talk about the accident with anyone except the police and your own insurance company. […]

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Portable Generators Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

This is the season for portable generators in Pennsylvania.

But anybody who owns or uses one should check to make sure it isn’t a Champion Power model, which can leak fuel and explode into flames.

On November 2, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a nationwide voluntary recall of close to 9,000 portable generators made by Champion Power Equipment.

Fuel can leak from the generator’s carburetor, creating a fire hazard. There have been 11 reported cases of leakage, including eight fires and two incidents of property damage.

Portable generator usage soared in the wake of Hurricane Sandy – as did awareness of their potential dangers. To date there have been four reported deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators, although it is uncertain that the generators in those cases were the recalled Champion models.

The Champion Power Equipment recall involves two models of portable generators sold at Costco Wholesale stores nationwide between December 2011 and July 2012 for about $699. […]

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Top 10 Dangers On The Job

Here’s one Top 10 list that employers in Pennsylvania hope to never make.

The U.S. Department of Labor has released its Top 10 Workplace Safety Violations for 2012.

Inadequate protection against falls and insufficient warnings of job site hazards are the biggest problem areas, according to the DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Following is the complete list:

• Fall Protection  (Total violations: 7,250)
• Hazard Communication (4,696)
• Scaffolding (3,814)
• Respiratory Protection (2,371)
• Ladders (2,310)
• Machine Guarding (2,097)
• Powered Industrial Trucks (1,993)
• Electrical – Wiring Methods (1,744)
• Lockout/Tagout (1,572)
• Electrical – General Requirements (1,332)

Free Consultation With A Pennsylvania Workplace Safety Lawyer

Have you been injured on the job? Concerned about safety conditions at your workplace? […]