Ocean County Workers' Compensation Law Blog

If you suspect a concussion, such as after a car crash or slip-and-fall accident, keep in mind that it's best to consult with a qualified medical professional. This is a serious brain injury that requires medical treatment.

There are multiple signs and symptoms associated with a concussion, including:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Trouble with your memory
• Sleeping difficulties
• Mood changes

You're excited about embarking on a long journey in your vehicle, but that doesn't mean you won't have any concerns. Above all else, you must take steps to maintain your safety from the minute you leave home until the minute you arrive at your destination.

Here are several tips you can follow:

• Bank your sleep: You're excited about your trip, but don't let it keep you up at night. You should get as much sleep as you can before hitting the road, as drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of accidents, injuries and deaths throughout the United States every year.
• Take breaks when necessary: If you find yourself becoming tired or distracted, pull to the side of the road or a parking lot to rest your mind and body. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel after you get out and walk around for a few minutes.
• Drink plenty of water and eat healthily: Don't shy away from drinking water because you don't want to take restroom breaks. Staying hydrated allows you to feel your best while maintaining maximum energy for as long as possible. Combine this with the consumption of healthy snacks.

Sharing the road with commercial trucks is easier said than done, as these large vehicles take up a lot of space. When you combine this with the fact that some truckers don't follow the rules of the road, it's not always easy to maintain your safety.

Here are five steps you can take to protect against an accident with a commercial truck:

• Avoid blind spots: The areas behind and directly next to a commercial truck have limited visibility. You don't want to drive in these areas for too long.
• Illegal passing or lane change: For example, never pass a commercial truck in the right lane. Also, don't abruptly change lanes in front of a commercial truck.
• Don't drive between two commercial trucks: There are times when you get stuck in this position, but you should remove yourself as quickly as possible.
• Don't merge too slowly: If you don't get up to speed quickly upon merging, a truck may not be able to stop before striking you from behind.
• Avoid aggressive truckers: Most truckers obey the rules of the road, but some are entirely too aggressive. Let these individuals go up the road ahead, as doing so creates enough distance to keep you safe.

The more you work on a ladder, the more likely you are to assume that you'll always be safe. Even with many years of experience, it only takes a minor mistake when using a ladder to cause a serious accident.

Here are five ladder safety tips to follow at all times:

• Inspect the ladder before use: If you recognize any type of safety hazards, such as corrosion and cracks, move the ladder out of the way and mark it as damaged.
• Find firm and level ground: Placing your ladder on uneven and/or soft ground increases the risk of it tipping.
• Maintain three points of contact: Make it a habit to have three points of contact on the ladder at all times. This includes one foot and two hands, or two feet and one hand.
• Don't set the ladder near traffic: This includes both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as a small bump is all it takes to knock you off a ladder.
• Never carry a heavy load: It may be okay to carry lighter tools on a ladder, but never carry anything that could cause you to lose your balance.