rsynder_law, Author at RSnyder Law

Blue Apron employees claim employer is guilty of labor violations

Blue Apron, the highly popular meal-kit service, is under fire by its own employees. The California-based company is now the subject of a class-action suit over a variety of labor law violations. According to the allegations, Blue Apron employees were subjected to unfair labor practices all the time, including being forced to work overtime without compensation and were obliged to clock out for their meal break -- a practice known as "time shaving" which deprived them of a half hour of pay. The case has class action status, which means that all employees affected by Blue Apron's actions between 2014 and 2018 are included in the suit. If they are successful, Blue Apron stands to pay out around five million dollars. This is not the first time that Blue Apron has been under legal fire. In the past, state officials fined its plant in Richmond for health and safety violations. The Berkeley [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T01:11:40+00:00December 1st, 2018|

Did your job cause your chronic back pain?

Back pain is a real … well, pain in the back. Whether it’s dull and achy or sharp and stabbing, chronic or sudden back pain can greatly reduce your quality of life. Depending on your job, back pain could be the result of an occupational injury. Industries where heavy lifting is a regular duty are prone to causing back pain for employees, but even lower-impact jobs can be a concern. Three main factors often cause work-related back pain: Force, such as lifting or moving heavy objects Repetitive movements, especially twisting or rotating the spine Inactivity, particularly if you have poor posture or sit in a chair with poor support Can I avoid back pain? If your job puts you at a risk for back pain, there are several things you can do to prevent causing an injury: Watch your posture by avoiding slouching, adjusting a chair or computer setup properly and [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T05:57:11+00:00November 30th, 2018|

Is addiction covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act?

You know that drug addiction is a disease, so it only seems to make sense that the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA, would provide some measure of job security if you're struggling with addiction. And it does -- but only under certain circumstances. The ADA often struggles to balance the interests of employers and employees when it comes to disability accommodations, and addiction is a tricky one to handle. In general, if you're suffering from a drug addiction, this is what you should know: Current drug use isn't protected. Your employer has a right to maintain a drug-free workplace. If you are currently using illegal drugs, you can be disciplined or fired. Even if you have been diagnosed with an addiction, the ADA will usually not protect you. Addiction is a listed disability. The ADA does, however, list substance abuse and addiction as a disability -- but only if you qualify [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T10:42:24+00:00November 13th, 2018|

Subaru and Toyota to recall hundreds of thousands of cars

Automakers Toyota and Subaru have announced a giant recall of 400,000 problematic cars. The automakers stated in a recent recall announcement that the recall issue stems from defective engine valve springs that could break and result in an engine stall. Engine stalls like this can be especially dangerous for drivers who are navigating traffic because an engine stall could result in an auto collision. Some of the vehicles in the recall are Subaru's Impreza, BRZ and Forester automobiles. In addition, Toyota's 86 sport car and Scion FR-S (which are also manufactured by Subaru) were included as well. At this time, the owners of affected cars have yet to be notified. However, Subaru promised that it would begin notifying owners directly via the mail in December. The process of fixing the engine valve springs at the heart of this problem will not be entirely easy. According to Subaru, the repair for each [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T11:42:44+00:00November 9th, 2018|

Grape harvesting machine claims life in Napa

Some workers in California benefit from having a safe work environment where accidents and injuries are highly unlikely. Other workers face life-threatening dangers every time they report to their jobs. Agricultural workers are particularly at risk of on-the-job injuries. A fatal accident on Oct. 29 at a Napa vineyard is an example of the risks faced by California agricultural employees. The tragedy happened at the Deconinck Vineyards in Napa at approximately 12:30 p.m. The fire department responded to a call about a worker who was caught up in a grape-picking device close to Silverado Trail. The Napa Valley Sheriff's Office said that emergency responders were on the scene within five minutes of the accident. However, they were unable to save the worker, who died at approximately 12:45 p.m. He was 49 years old. According to the worker's family members, their loved one had been working on the ground close to the [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T06:37:24+00:00November 2nd, 2018|

Sexual harassment warning signs: What to watch out for

When sexual harassment starts, its often a lot lighter than it eventually becomes. During these initial stages of sexual harassment, it's often easier for the victims to make it stop. The problem is, most victims dismiss these early stages as nothing more than harmless flirting or "joking." Even if the behavior makes them feel uncomfortable, the victims usually assume that it will simply go away. The problem is, it might not go away -- and it could escalate into a situation that causes the victim to quit, get fired or suffer many other types of unfortunate consequences. To avoid becoming a victim of sexual harassment, here are three things that every worker should watch out for: Sexism: Sexism and sexist behavior often consist of jokes and comments made by coworkers or supervisors. These jokes or comments will be sexual in nature -- or make reference to your appearance -- and they [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T11:28:14+00:00October 27th, 2018|

Top injuries for healthcare workers

If you are a healthcare worker, you already know how demanding and difficult your job can be. In fact, a hospital is one of the most dangerous places to work. Even if you don’t work in a hospital, healthcare work can be dangerous. The most common injuries healthcare workers suffer from include: Back and neck injuries. These injuries generally result from overexertion and repetitive stress. They are usually a type of muskuloskeletal injury, which means the worker has pain combined with numbness and tingling. Overexertion injuries are the largest share of hospital work comp claims in the U.S. and result in the most missed days of work. Other back and neck injuries include slipped or herniated discs and may result in back surgery. Sprains and strains. Overexertion can also cause sprains and strains. They affect nurses, aids, orderlies and paramedics the most, as these workers transfer patients, which requires bending, heavy lifting and sudden movements. Violence. Healthcare [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T07:49:27+00:00October 27th, 2018|

Have a safe Halloween in Santa Ana

Many Santa Ana residents love to participate in Halloween. In fact, just four short years ago, Santa Ana came in at number four for the best cities to celebrate the October holiday. Whether you are throwing an adults-only shindig or escorting your costumed kiddos around the neighborhood this year, safety should be paramount. The following tips can allow everyone to have fun and stay safer: Have nonalcoholic alternatives available for partygoers. Close the bar an hour before the party ends. Guests who overindulge should not be permitted to drive. Arrange rides with Lyft or Uber. Kids should trick or treat in groups, and younger children should be accompanied by a parent. Make sure the kids' costumes are not too long and pose a tripping hazard. Drivers should beware of children darting out between parked cars on Halloween. Give kids a flashlight to use and make costumes from fluorescent fabrics. Limit the accouterments. Having a [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T06:43:16+00:00October 18th, 2018|

4 key statistics about texting and driving

Texting and driving is way too common, considering just how dangerous it is. People just seem to forget that they are driving a 3,500-pound machine that can take lives and cause serious injuries. When that phone chirps, they feel like they have to pick it up. Do you want to know how bad the problem really is? Here are four key statistics that help to paint a picture: More than half of all drivers in the United States (57 percent) say they have texted while they were driving. Some researchers believe the real rate could be higher, but some drivers refuse to admit that they do it. A staggering 80 percent of car accidents link back to driver inattention that happens right before the crash -- within the previous three seconds. All it takes is a moment for a crash. When asked about general distracted driving -- not just texting -- the [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T01:09:00+00:00October 11th, 2018|

Top fall hazards to watch out for in the workplace

Workplace falls can happen in almost any occupation. It is true that some jobs, such as working in construction, tend to carry a higher fall risk because people have to work at heights. However, that does not mean you don't face risks even if you work in an office. To lower the odds of a serious accident, it is important to know what fall hazards to watch out for. Below are a few examples: Unprotected edges, such as a balcony or a catwalk that does not have railings on the sides. Fall protection gear that is not used properly. Sometimes, this happens because employers neglect to give their employees proper training. Openings in the wall and holes in the floor. This could be a serious risk for mechanics, for example, who have pits they can climb down into to work below vehicles. Ladders that are set up improperly. If the ladder [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T12:59:17+00:00October 8th, 2018|

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