Client versions don’t always match up with evidence. Sometimes it’s oversight, poor or selective memory, or just plain ignorance. It happens. Legal practitioners always keep this concern in the back of their mind when accepting a case. Too bad there’s no way to “crystal ball” the case before you commence discovery, set depositions, or set [...]
Static electricity. As a child did you ever shuffle your stocking feet on a carpet and then touch someone, a sibling perhaps? Fun huh. Well, at least for one of you. Static electricity is introduced to most of us in this way. But static electricity in the workplace, particularly around flammables and combustibles, presents a [...]
Your client calls you about a potential litigation situation. And the client is pleased to announce they’ve taken the proactive step of finding and talking to an expert witness. The client likes this expert. They want you, their attorney, to talk to the expert and use them for their case. Is there a real problem [...]
Hand and power tools are a great boon to construction, manufacturing, and repair work today. Electric drills help boreholes and drive fasteners in place. Circular saws make cutting materials faster and, in many instances, deliver better and straighter cuts. Band saws help make unusual shape cuts. But with any tool, there are some simple but [...]
Safety training plays a big role in workplace safety. Fall protection training is required in certain instances in the workplace. Most of us have climbed trees in our youth. Climbing trees is a youthful event. The desire to climb toward the sky (or so it appeared) to see further, see if it could be done, [...]
Ladder safety. Or, what goes up depends on how it comes down. That is up to you. Ladders are an important tool for many tasks. Falling from a ladder is an unpleasant and potentially, life long negative impact on your way of life. Safety tips: Read the labels on the ladder to know what its [...]
Do you have a hazardous communication (Haz Com) program? What is an Haz Comm program? Do I need an Haz Comm program? Let’s answer these questions in reverse order. Yes, you need an Haz Comm program if you have hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Hazardous chemicals include flammable gases/aerosols, liquids or solids, anything corrosive to [...]
If you know the top 10 non complying safety conditions for which the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) identifies as hazards to your employees, you have a good starting point. Are you a small business? Have a limited safety budget? Do you want to help keep your employees safe at work? Consider looking at the [...]
Safety rules are written in blood. Avoid blood. The Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) and the Mine Safety Health Act (MSHA) are federal safety laws. These laws govern how workplace tasks are carried out. The purpose of these laws is to safeguard employees in the workplace. But I recall one safety trainer’s safety class who [...]
Asking the right questions during discovery. Or knowing where to tap. A homeowner has a plugged sink drain. He tried a liquid drain cleaner. He tried a plumbing snake. He tried a plunger, all to no avail. Frustrated he called a plumber. The plumber comes out, spends a few minutes observing the pipes and then [...]