Oregon Injury Attorney Blog

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) announced recalls of millions of window blinds and shades after three child deaths involving the cords that help move the shades up and down. The companies involved in the recall include IKEA and Pottery Barn. Some of the products were sold as long ago as 1992.

A one year old child died in 2007 when he was strangled by a lift cord loop of a shade manufactured by Lewis Hyman. In another case, a child was found with his head caught between shade cords and the cloth on the shade's back side.

This is considered a hidden hazard, and the CPSC is encouraging parents to inspect shades to obtain either a free repair, or refund.

Other Helpful Links:

Baby Home Safety Tips

The Home Safety Council

Consumer Products Safety Products Toy Recalls

The Othello Outlook recently reported that the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Health and Safety Division (OSHA) fined ConAgra Foods and NW Metal Fabricators $25,000.00 for violation of health and safety regulations arising from a fatal explosion at potato processing plant in Boardman, Oregon.

Generally, even in a tragedy such as this, the injured worker or his or her survivor's are limited to Oregon Workers Compensation benefits. This is because Oregon law provides that even where an employer is negligent, even reckless, the only remedy that an injured worker in Oregon has against the employer is workers' compensation benefits. This is often referred to as the "exclusive remedy" provision.

There are exceptions. One is Oregon's Employer Liability Law. This law was proposed by initiative in 1910, and provides a higher standard of care for employers engaged in work that involves "risk or danger." Where there is an "indirect" employer, like a contractor or owner, and that person is directing the project, the injured worker or his family may have a claim against the person or entity directing the project. This is why there is more to OHSA's actions than a fine. If OSHA's violations hold true, it's strong evidence that the company directing this work failed to make the workplace safe.

Other Helpful Links:

OHSA Considers Raising Fines

Oregon OSHA Trench Cave In Training Video

I have posted more than a few times about laws and studies relating to cell phone use while driving. A recent revelation that the NHTSA withheld data exposing the dangers of driving while texting or using the phone seems to have spurred attention. Recently, CNN reported that the Obama administration is going to summit on how to address car collisions and injuries caused by distracted motorists. Apparently, truckers are 23 times more likely to wreck while texting.

Check out a summary of the study here.