Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in Ohio—and they don't just happen on construction sites.

Warehouse employees, factory workers, nurses, delivery drivers, mechanics, retail workers, office employees, and countless others can suffer serious back injuries from lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or even repetitive movements.

The good news? Many back injuries can be prevented with a few simple habits.

Here are a few practical tips:

 Think before you lift. -  If an object looks too heavy or awkward, ask for help or use equipment designed for lifting.

 Lift with your legs—not your back. Bend your knees, keep your back as straight as possible, and let your legs do the work.

 Keep the load close to your body.  Holding objects away from your torso puts extra stress on your back.

Avoid twisting while lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your feet instead of twisting your spine.

Know your limits.  No one gets a trophy for lifting something that should have been a two-person job.

 Use mechanical aids whenever available. Dollies, forklifts, pallet jacks, hoists, and lift-assist devices exist for a reason.

Remember, many serious back injuries don't happen because of one dramatic event. They often result from years of repetitive lifting, awkward positions, or one "quick lift" when someone is tired or in a hurry.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we've helped injured Ohio workers for more than three decades. We'd much rather see injuries prevented than claims filed.

Take an extra minute. Lift safely. Your back will thank you for years to come.

Because everyone deserves to go home healthy at the end of the workday.

#BackSafety #LiftingSafety #WorkplaceSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #SafetyFirst #Ergonomics #ConstructionSafety #ManufacturingSafety #WarehouseSafety #HealthcareWorkers #OhioWorkers #OccupationalSafety #PreventWorkplaceInjuries #KurtMYoungLaw

Each year on July 28th, we celebrate National Buffalo Soldiers Day, honoring the brave African American soldiers who served in the United States Army following the Civil War.

Established by Congress in 1992, the day commemorates the creation of the first peacetime all-Black Army regiments in 1866. These soldiers served with distinction on the western frontier, protecting settlers, building roads, escorting mail, and serving in numerous military campaigns despite facing prejudice and discrimination. Their courage, professionalism, and commitment to service earned them the enduring nickname "Buffalo Soldiers," a name believed to have been given to them by Native American tribes in recognition of their strength, resilience, and determination.

Their legacy continues today, not only through our nation's military history, but also through organizations dedicated to preserving that history and serving their communities.

Here in Northwest Ohio, we're fortunate to have the “Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club”, whose members are committed to honoring the legacy of the original Buffalo Soldiers through community service, education, mentorship, and charitable work throughout our region.

We're especially proud to recognize Earl Mack, one of the club's leaders and a valued client and friend of our firm. Earl has long been dedicated to serving our community, preserving history, and helping others through his leadership and volunteer efforts. His commitment to service reflects the same spirit of integrity, perseverance, and community that the original Buffalo Soldiers exemplified.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we believe that service comes in many forms, whether it's serving your country, your community, or standing beside injured Ohio workers when they need someone in their corner.

Today, we honor the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, celebrate those who continue that tradition of service, and thank leaders like Earl Mack for making Northwest Ohio a stronger community.

Happy National Buffalo Soldiers Day!

#NationalBuffaloSoldiersDay #BuffaloSoldiers #MilitaryHistory #AmericanHistory #CommunityLeadership #CommunityService #NorthwestOhio #Ohio #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #Veterans #Leadership #Service #LawOfficesOfKurtMYoung

On July 26, we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The ADA was a landmark civil rights law that expanded opportunities and prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and many other areas of everyday life.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we represent Ohio workers whose lives have been changed by workplace injuries. While Ohio Workers' Compensation and the ADA are two different laws with two very different purposes, they often intersect.

Workers' Compensation helps injured workers receive medical treatment and monetary benefits to offset some of the financial hardships from a workplace injury.  It does not, however, mandate an employer to accommodate your restrictions after a workplace injury or from non-industrial health issues. 

The ADA, on the other hand, may require employers to consider reasonable accommodation that allows qualified employees with disabilities to continue working, provided doing so does not create an undue hardship for the employer.  But it doesn’t compensate you if you can’t do that.

For many injured workers, recovery isn't simply about getting better, it's about returning to meaningful work whenever possible. Sometimes that means modified duties, adaptive equipment, a different work schedule, or other reasonable accommodation that allow employees to continue contributing their skills and experience.

Now, if your restrictions are related to the allowed conditions in your claim, and you are not yet at Maximum Medical Improvement (aka MMI or a plateau from which no change can be expected despite ongoing care) the employer does have an incentive to accommodate you beyond the ADA.  

Under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law if an injured worker cannot perform all of the duties of their former position of employment (all of the requirements of the job you were performing at the time of your injury) due to the allowed conditions in the claim, and the employer does not accommodate your restrictions, and you are not at MMI, then you are entitled to Temporary Total Disability benefits.  

Also, they are allowed to create a position of employment that may not have even existed previously, to accommodate your restrictions per your treating doctor.  If they do, and it is found to be a good faith job offer, you must accept it. 

Every situation is different, and navigating the relationship between workers' compensation benefits, return-to-work programs, and disability laws can be complicated. That's why it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the recovery process.

Today, we celebrate the progress made since the ADA became law and recognize the resilience, determination, and contributions of millions of Americans living with disabilities.  But we have a long way to go.  There are still areas even with Workers’ Compensation, ADA, FMLA, Social Security and others were the disabled faced challenges the law doesn’t address. 

Here's to workplaces that are not only safer but also more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone and for employers that see talents and abilities rather than roadblocks and disabilities. 

Happy National Disability Independence Day!

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#NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay #ADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #Inclusion #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #ReturnToWork #OhioWorkers #OhioLaw #WorkplaceSafety #EqualOpportunity #LawOfficesOfKurtMYoung

Ohio's construction sites, factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities help build and power our communities. They also present some of the most challenging and potentially dangerous working environments.

Most workplace injuries don't happen because someone intended to get hurt, they happen because of a momentary distraction, a shortcut, equipment failure, or an unexpected hazard.

Some of the most common job site hazards include:

⚠️ Falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, and elevated platforms

⚠️ Struck-by accidents involving vehicles, falling tools, or materials

⚠️ Caught-in or caught-between machinery and equipment

⚠️ Electrical hazards and exposed wiring

⚠️ Improper lifting that leads to back and shoulder injuries

⚠️ Slips, trips, and falls caused by clutter, uneven surfaces, or wet floors

The bad news is that these can be life ending or at least life changing.

The good news? Many of these injuries can be prevented by following a few basic safety principles:

🦺 Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

👀 Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.

📋 Follow established safety procedures—every time.

🤝 Speak up if you see an unsafe condition.

🔧 Never use equipment unless you've been properly trained.

💪 Lift with your legs, not your back, and ask for help with heavy loads.

​At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we hope you never need our services. We believe the best workers' compensation claim is the one that never happens because an injury was prevented in the first place.  The best moment at Workers’ Memorial Day is when none of our clients names are read in tribute for those who died of their injuries in the last year.

Let's all do our part to make Ohio's workplaces safer—because everyone deserves to return home safely at the end of the workday.

Stay alert. Stay protected. Stay safe.

​#ConstructionSafety #IndustrialSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionWorkers #Manufacturing #IndustrialWorkers #OhioWorkers #OccupationalSafety #WorkplaceInjury #WorkerSafety #SafetyCulture #KurtMYoungLaw

This year, Americans celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The picture in our graphic this post was taken by Kurt on the way to Washington, DC for the inauguration of a president.  He and his family stopped in to Philadelphia along the way and toured Independence Hall.  The tour guides have the best name for that room - It is the labor and delivery room for America. 

For two and a half centuries, our nation has been guided by the enduring ideals of liberty, opportunity, self-government, and the rule of law. While America has never been perfect, generations of Americans have worked to make our country stronger, freer, and more just for those who follow.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we are proud to serve Ohio's working families and to be part of a legal system that helps protect the rights of everyday people. As workers' compensation attorneys, we see firsthand the value of hard work, perseverance, and community—qualities that have helped define America since its founding.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, we encourage everyone to take time to enjoy family, friends, food, fireworks, and the freedoms we often take for granted.

   Please Note: In observance of Independence Day and America's 250th Birthday celebration, our office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

We will reopen during our normal business hours following the holiday weekend.

From all of us at The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day.

Happy Birthday, America!

#IndependenceDay #July4th #America250 #America250th #HappyBirthdayAmerica #OhioWorkers #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #OhioLaw #RuleOfLaw #Patriotism #Community #OhioAttorney #KurtMYoungLaw #FourthOfJuly