Surprising Facts About Forklift Accidents in Warehouses
Forklifts are the workhorses of the warehouse, moving pallets and heavy loads quickly and effectively, and they’re a normal part of work every day for most warehouse workers. But as the saying goes, “familiarity breeds contempt.” It also leads to recklessness and a lack of appreciation for just how dangerous forklifts can be. Warehouse and business owners in New York need to make sure they institute policies to keep their workers safe, and that everyone in the warehouse is doing his or her part to avoid serious accidents.
Roofers Have the 4th Most Dangerous Job in the US
When we think about dangerous jobs, most of us probably think about police officers and firefighters. Outside of emergency workers and the military, however, some of the workers most at risk of suffering injury in New York are roofers.
Construction Remains One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in America
While it may not be as dangerous as working in the logging industry or as a commercial fisher, construction is still among the most dangerous jobs a person can have in the United States. Roofers, in particular, account for a high number of fatal work injuries.
The Benefits of Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection. In construction and other heavy industries like manufacturing, it’s not only required by law, but can help prevent costly, painful, and potentially fatal illnesses. Using the right respirators at all times has greatly reduced many of these illnesses, but proper protection must continue to be enforced. When employers don’t comply, they assume the legal—and moral—consequences.
New Rules Regarding Silica at Construction Sites
This year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, finally passed new standards involving silica inhalation, which it had been working on for several years.
To date, many contractors and construction companies in New York will need to revise their practices involving silica to avoid fines and ensure their workers remain safe.
The Danger of Hearing Loss in Construction Work
There is not only a correlation between hearing loss and working in construction, but a direct cause and effect. Hearing loss is often caused by lengthy exposure to loud noises that damage the ears, and construction sites routinely produce noises well above safe levels. Working at such sites without ear protection has a very high chance of giving a worker permanent hearing loss.
As many as 2 in 3 construction workers will experience hearing loss by the age of 50, compared to only about 10% of the population that works without exposure to dangerous noises.
Is Your Employer Providing the Right Safety Gear?
The right safety gear can mean the difference between a safe work environment and a deadly injury on the job.
What gear? Well, common safety equipment includes helmets, knee and elbow pads, eye and ear protection, and fire extinguishers. You can speak with your employer about the safety equipment you need—make sure that any gear provided to you is properly maintained and repaired.
I Was Injured at Work, What Do I Do Now?
Filing for workers’ compensation in New York is not particularly difficult, but there are certain things that need to happen quickly in order to protect your rights and your claim. The first thing you should do after a work-related illness or injury is get medical treatment immediately. Your safety and well-being is always the most important thing.
Who Is Liable for OSHA Violations in New York?
The Occupational Safety and Health Association, or OSHA, is a government organization that oversees safety in the workplace. In general, it establishes what is considered a safe work environment, and the guidelines by which employers must keep employees informed regarding how to be safe at work. While New York has state-specific safety guidelines, there is a great deal of overlap in how a workplace should be kept safe, and who is considered liable when violations occur.
The Most Common Injuries for New York Emergency Responders
Emergency responders such as firefighters and police officers are among those most likely to encounter situations in the workplace that result in injury. Many of these injuries can result in a workers’ compensation claim, which ensures that responders receive compensation for their injuries. Most injuries that afflict emergency responders do not actually happen at the scene of a fire or when encountering a dangerous suspect. Any injury that occurs in the line of duty, so long as there is no intoxication or intent to be injured, is covered by workers’ compensation, though some are more common than others.