New York’s personal injury law firm
Click For Your Free ConsulationPosted in Workplace Accidents on September 15, 2022
New York City is a constant hive of activity. It may or may not be surprising to learn that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 129,000 nonfatal workplace injuries in the private sector throughout the entire state in 2020.
This number means that New York overall had only 2.2 nonfatal workplace injuries for every 100 full-time workers, a statistic that is below the national average of 2.7 cases per 100 workers.
Just because there may be less of a chance of being injured in the workplace in New York City does not mean that on-the-job injuries are nonexistent. Nor does it mean that your workplace injury will not be serious or require medical care.
By recognizing hazards and dangers, you can take preventive steps to avoid becoming one of the 129,000 private industry workers hurt on the job. Be aware of the following injuries, which are the most common that occur in New York City workplaces.
Slips and trips are accidents that can result in some of the most common job site injuries. Whether caused by spills on the floor or uneven walkways, a slip or fall can produce sprained ankles, and a resulting fall may even cause injuries to your wrists, arms, legs, back, or head.
Your job does not have to be physically demanding for you to be at risk of muscle strain or overexertion. Lifting a box of paper improperly or carrying a stack of files that is too heavy can strain the muscles of your arms, legs, and back. While painful, most strains will resolve on their own with time and rest.
As of July 2022, the New York Police Department reported over 8,500 motor vehicle collisions in the city. Workers like delivery drivers and couriers, as well as those who must commute from one job site to another, comprise an untold number of these crashes.
Motor vehicle wrecks can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor scratches to traumatic brain injuries.
Many jobs require the use of tools, machines, and equipment. These should be used only by trained individuals and in accordance with safety protocols. A garbage compactor, for example, can easily crush bones if a body part becomes caught in it. A tool dropped from scaffolding can hit your head and lead to a concussion.
Construction sites and chemical plants are obvious places where toxic substances, acids, or chemicals can be found. But dangerous liquids, solids, and gasses can be present everywhere.
Employers have a legal duty to tell workers about these substances, where they can be found, and how to avoid unsafe exposure to them.
Chemical compounds, machinery that overheats, or even a break room microwave used improperly can cause an explosion or fire. While these events may not always be catastrophes, they can cause chemical or electrical burns. Damage to skin tissue and muscle tissue are some of the most common effects seen in these injury events.
Employers want their employees to get along with each other, but this does not always happen. An employee may have a personal grudge against other employees, or they may be dissatisfied with their employer and workplace in general. When they choose to lash out violently, this can lead to fights and other acts of workplace violence.
The workplace can be dangerous, with many hazards present that can cause you injury. But you can reduce the chance of this happening by remaining aware of your surroundings, taking safety and preventive measures seriously, and reporting dangerous conditions to your supervisor right away.
If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City workplace accident lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600