Recent News – Smith & Griffith Legal Blog

Construction site accidents can be deadly Construction workers in South Carolina may be at a greater risk of dying or being injured in an accident in which they are struck by an object, equipment or vehicle than workers in other industries. These were the findings of the Center for Construction Research and Training. The organization…

Most truck accidents are caused by car drivers Media outlets in South Carolina and around the country often run stories about tractor-trailer accidents when truck driver drowsiness, intoxication or distraction have been cited by law enforcement as factors, but data from the U.S. Department of Labor suggests that these reports may sometimes be misleading. According…

Federal agency cancels plans for sleep apnea testing rule Federal authorities are no longer pushing a proposed rule meant to establish specific criteria to screen truck drivers in South Carolina and across the United States for sleep apnea. On Aug. 4, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a notice saying that the potential…

Startup company develops wearable drowsy driver tech Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that drowsy driving causes an estimated 6,000 fatal traffic accidents each year in the U.S. Traditional remedies to combat fatigue behind the wheel include drinking coffee or energy drinks, lowering a window or pulling over to take a…

Focus on output contributes to workplace injuries When safety takes a backseat to productivity, South Carolina workers often end up paying the price for their employers’ profits. Data shows that manufacturing fatalities are trending up after falling since 2008. U.S. Department of Labor figures have revealed that approximately 4 percent of manufacturing workers are either…

Inspection event removes 2,000 trucks from roads The condition of the brake system of commercial trucks is an important road safety issue. Drivers in South Carolina may be interested to know that that as a result of unexpected brake inspections, almost 2,000 trucks were sidelined due to violations. During Brake Safety Day, an event implemented…

Annual safety program for miners is re-launched South Carolina mine workers may be interested to know that the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration is restarting its Preventive Roof/Rib Outreach Program. PROP is an annual event intended to inform mine operators and coal miners about the causes of roof and rib falls. According to the…

Fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses on the rise South Carolina motorists should exercise caution when traveling near large vehicles. Data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has revealed an increase in fatalities from crashes that involve large trucks or buses. In 2015, over 4,000 fatal wrecks of large trucks and buses…

Tesla S not among IIHS safety picks The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given three full-size cars its Top Safety Pick Plus designation. However, South Carolina residents may be surprised to learn that the Tesla S was not on the list. The honor was given to the Lincoln Continental, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and…

Teens more likely than others to be injured at work Many South Carolina teens decide to get a job over the summer as a way to stay busy and earn some fun money while school is out. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has reported that younger workers are particularly at risk…