Workers across all professions in New York should be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits when they sustain work-related injuries or develop work-related illnesses. If an injury or work-related illness happens, it is up to employees to be able to prove the injury occurred due to job duties. If a work accident or a work-related...
Read MoreBlog
Bronx Worker Faces Act of Workplace Violence
Workers in certain industries are at risk of getting hurt on-the-job because they are victims of violent acts. Workers in the healthcare profession, for example, could be attacked by patients who have dementia, mental disorders, or who are otherwise unable or unwilling to control their behavior. Workers who work in retail are also at risk...
Read MoreWorkplace Injuries and Amputations in 2015
A new report from Occupational Safety and Health Administration demonstrates the serious risks that employees continue to face on-the-job. CNN reported on the OSHA data, which was obtained over the course of 2015 from 26 different states that actually had higher workplace safety requirements in place than the minimum federal standards. According to the OSHA...
Read MoreU.S. Supreme Court Rules Donning Safety Gear is an Essential Part of the Job
Putting on safety gear can be time consuming for some workers in high-risk professions. As a result, questions have arisen regarding whether employees should be paid for the time spent putting on their gear. The answer to this question would have important implications for work safety. If it was determined putting on safety gear...
Read MoreOSHA's New Silica Standards Could Help Protect Workers
Silica, or quartz, is a common mineral found on many construction sites. Silica is found in masonry, concrete, granite, many types of landscape materials, and even soil and rock. While silica is ubiquitous, it can also be dangerous. When materials containing silica are disturbed in any way- including through cutting or drilling- tiny silica particles...
Read MoreSentence for Coal CEO Shows Workplace Safety Issues Not Taken Seriously
It is very rare for executives to be criminally prosecuted for workplace safety violations, even when there are tragic consequences including workers being hurt or even killed. Unfortunately, the lack of criminal prosecutions is one explanation for why there are so many violations of safety rules occurring in workplaces throughout the United States. The relative...
Read MoreWill New OSHA Regulations Help First Responders Avoid NY Workplace Injuries?
First responders include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and paramedics, among others. These workers provide life-saving medical assistance throughout New York and often go into dangerous situations to provide that help. First responders face significant risks of injury in a wide variety of different situations they encounter as they do their jobs. Now, Business Insurance reports that...
Read MoreOSHA & Workers Comp Insurer Disagree Over Effect of Workplace Safety Incentives
Should employers put safety incentive programs into place which reward groups of workers in situations where the incentive requires no days off from any workers due to injury? The answer to this question is in dispute. Safety News Alert reports one workers' compensation insurer says the programs are a key part of successful safety efforts. However, Occupational...
Read MoreNew York City Crane Collapse Underscores Importance of Crane Safety
On a historic Manhattan street located approximately 10 blocks to the north of the World Trade Center, a 565-foot long crane came tumbling down during Friday morning commute hours recently. One pedestrian was killed by the crane, which had collapsed. A row of parked vehicles was also crushed when the crane collapsed. In this particular...
Read MoreDo OSHA Powers Extend to Enterprise-Wide Abatement Orders?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can fine employers for failure to follow standards set by the administration. OSHA can also order abatement when unsafe conditions are identified. When OSHA orders abatement, employers will need to fix problems and remedy dangerous situations in order to keep employees safe. Following OSHA guidelines is best practices...
Read More