By Homer R. Peterson II, P.E., CSP Introduction Ironworkers have the fifth highest fatality rate (33.4 per 100,000 workers) of any United States civilian worker classification. (This is according to 2017 data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.) Ironworkers who fall while tied off suffer dramatically fewer fatalities and serious injuries. OSHA Requirements… read more

By Steven Babitsky, Esq. Expert witnesses play an integral part in most litigated cases. Even experienced trial attorneys make common mistakes in their dealings with their retained expert witnesses. The most common mistakes lawyers make may include: 1. Not Retaining the Experts Early On in the Case Counsel who retain their experts after deciding on their… read more

A federal appeals court (4th circuit) held that expert witnesses are protected by the witness litigation privilege even when they act with malice or ill-will. The court followed the Briscoe Supreme Court case going so far to say: “The witness had an absolute privilege and the plaintiff could not recover even if the witness knew… read more

By: Steven Babitsky, Esq. Expert witnesses are leaving millions of dollars per year on the table when they fail to develop and implement a viable succession plan. Many experts have developed successful expert witness practices. Due to the press of time and work, too few experts have given serious thought to any succession planning. All… read more

By: Mark Webster MSME, PE Introduction The most recent edition of the ASME Safety Standards for Conveyors and Related Equipment, AMSE B20.1-2015, now contains a paragraph addressing the need for a formal risk assessment for conveyors and conveyor systems. This article explains the need for risk assessment for conveyors, what the standard recommends, references to… read more

The pilot was looking down, intensely monitoring the progress of the Aerial Lineman setting a power line marker ball. Winds were starting to pick up and they would have to work fast to finish the job before hitting wind limitations.  They were already behind the project timeline due to bad weather the week prior. This… read more

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur in diabetic patients in a number of settings. Both injectable insulin and some oral agents used to treat diabetes can increase the chances of a hypoglycemic event, and in some cases, this can lead to severe injury or death. High blood sugar or hyperglycemia can affect mental function,… read more

By Steven Babitsky, Esq. and James J. Mangraviti Jr., Esq. Introduction One of the most effective ways to impress retaining counsel is to come prepared to the deposition preparation session. Experts who impress counsel with their work ethic, organization, and insight are much more likely to receive repeat business from the attorney. In addition, retaining… read more

By Homer R. Peterson II, P.E., CSP Falls to Lower Levels Through Holes and Skylights  OSHA uses the term “general industry” to describe all industries that do not involve agriculture, construction, or maritime work and defines “construction work” in Section 29CFR§1926.32(g) as “work for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating”.  Fall hazards associated… read more

By Terri Mead No Panacea SaaS (software as a service) systems appear to be the panacea for organizations wishing to reduce their overall IT costs and the burden of managing IT departments. In some cases, companies have completely outsourced their IT functions to external service providers.   Making it someone else’s problem seems ideal when one’s… read more