Recent News – Smith & Griffith Legal Blog

Silica protections for workers to increase Serious lung diseases can affect South Carolina workers who are exposed to excessive levels of silica dust. However, it has been more than 40 years since safety standards related to this hazard have been increased. Changes are set to be implemented by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration…

New regulation requires truckers to log hours electronically Drivers in South Carolina might be pleased to hear that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is putting a new regulation into place that requires commercial truckers and bus drivers to record their driving hours electronically. The aim of this rule is to prevent drowsiness and exhaustion,…

South Carolina truckers must have proper brake systems While state transportation laws vary, truckers and other commercial vehicle drivers who operate on the open road need to satisfy specific federal requirements when it comes to safety components like brakes. In addition to functional service brakes and parking brakes, vehicles must be outfitted with emergency braking…

Lung disease for workers in some plants People in South Carolina who work in plants that manufacture flavorings or microwave popcorn should be aware of symptoms of a lung disease known as obliterative bronchiolitis. It is caused by constriction and scarring in lung airways that restricts breathing. Symptoms may range from a mild cough without…

Safety with electrical products in the workplace South Carolina workers should be wary of electrical hazards in the workplace. This is a concern for office workers as well as employees in other types of environments. However, a few safety rules can reduce risks. Appliances that are giving off a strange smell should be unplugged immediately,…

Fall protection shortcomings contribute to deadly fall One of the leading causes of workplace death in construction is falls, and South Carolina employees need to be aware of safety standards related to working in elevated settings. Nationally, fall-related deaths have increased every year since 2011. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that approximately…

Reporting responsibilities for temporary worker injuries A South Carolina employer might use a temporary employment agency to fill a position during an employee’s extended leave. An employer might also work with a temp agency to accomplish a major project. Staffing agencies can provide sensible solutions in various situations, but there can be some confusion when…

Using technology to reduce accident risks One of the most dangerous things people in South Carolina do is simply getting into their cars. The chance of being killed in a car accident is 300 times that of being killed in a commercial plane crash, according to statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,…

Noise protection on the jobsite As South Carolina workers may know, noise protection while working is important to prevent hearing damage. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, hearing loss may occur when a worker is subject to repeated loud noises or even one powerful noise. In some cases, hearing loss may be insidious…

Keeping motorcycle tires road worthy South Carolina motorcyclists should check their vehicle’s tires for safety on a regular basis. There are several areas on which to focus when inspecting the tires. Proper motorcycle safety includes checking tire wear, tire pressure, proper storage, purchasing the correct tires when they are worn and riding safely on the…