Harrisburg Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Implants become part of you. Virtually everyone expects a hip replacement, for example, to last decades longer than they last themselves. So, when a recall is issued, how do you return it to the manufacturer? Who would pay for the surgery? How could you trust the new product put in its place?

And you surely have additional questions if you are, or know, one of the many patients whose medical procedures, pain, suffering or, in some cases, deaths trigger the recall.

There are no two ways about it. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Without this, severe bodily harm or even death is possible.

When working outdoors during the winter months, it's your responsibility to take steps to protect against hypothermia. Here are some of the things you can do to help your cause:

• Wear warm clothing: It all starts with the clothes you wear. While it's important to protect every inch of your body, pay close attention to the areas where heat is most likely to escape, including your head, neck and face.
• Don't push yourself too hard: Activities that result in sweating can cause you to quickly lose body heat, as wet clothing and cold air don't mix well.
• Stay dry: Even if you're working in wet conditions, take steps to remain dry. For example, wear a protective outer layer that is waterproof.
• Take breaks: In extremely cold temperatures, regular breaks are a must. When possible, move to a warm area, such as a vehicle or building, as this provides the opportunity to increase your core temperature.

Last week, a Philadelphia judge ruled that a U.S. Airways flight attendant is entitled to workers' compensation coverage for her injury on an airport shuttle bus. This latest court ruling caused many employment analysts to call into question when the workday starts and ends, especially since the flight attendant's injury occurred after she'd ended her shift for the day and was en route back to her car.

The flight attendant had reportedly just completed a round-trip flight between Philadelphia and Miami in the hours before her injuring incident occurred. Her car was parked in an airport employee parking lot. She'd boarded a shuttle in hopes of being transported there.

Even though the temperatures have dropped significantly in Pennsylvania, it doesn't mean that all outdoor projects will be put on hold. Construction crews will still operate, postal carriers will still deliver mail and emergency services personnel will still respond to incidents. All of these professions and more will still have to endure the elements during the winter months in Pennsylvania, so here are some tips for avoiding frostbite if you have to work outdoors.

Dress in layers that are loose. You want to have a layer of clothing closest to your body that pulls moisture away from your body. Cover that layer with a layer of wool to help keep the body heat close to your body.