New City Law Blog

A recent study was released about a specific hazard kitchen workers in New York face every day. While numerous types of accidents can result in these employees suffering injuries, this study specifically went into detail about exposure to intense heat levels. Just as those who work outdoors may suffer heat-related illnesses or injuries, so can those who work indoors. When such illnesses or injuries occur, workers' compensation claims may be filed to seek relief for any resulting losses.

Researchers at City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy examined the effects of excessive heat on public school kitchen workers in particular. Their findings can be applied to similar work in other settings, however. When conducting the study, the researchers looked at the effects of light, moderate and heavy-duty work-rate scenarios, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They found that, at 80% of schools, employee work-rate exceeded the heavy-duty action limit; at 60% of schools, employee work rate exceeded the moderate action limit, and at 10% of schools, employee work rate was above light action limit.

When one thinks about dangerous places to work, hospitals do not usually come to mind. The truth is, however, that those who work at such medical facilities in New York and elsewhere, particularly nursing staff, often experience workplace injuries, many of which go unreported. There are several ways that nurses may be hurt while on the job; one not often talked about is violence in the workplace.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has identified four different types of violence that occur in hospital settings. Type one involves a person with criminal intent. Type two involves patients or their family members. Type three has to do with violence among employees. Finally, type four is personal relationship violence.

It can be dangerous to engage in any kind of physical activity in the summer heat, to say nothing of hard, physical work. Workers in New York need to be aware of the special challenges that come when working under the summer sun, and what steps they need to take to help prevent a work-related illness or injury.

Construction sites are dangerous; that isn't exactly news. However, with the various safety measures that are supposed to be in place, it is incredible how many construction workers in New York and elsewhere still suffer injury or death due to worksite accidents every year. Most recently, several people were injured, and at least one was killed after a construction accident occurred at the Morgan General postal building.

According to reports, two construction workers were riding an elevator in the building when a fire extinguisher exploded. Both victims were transported to area hospitals with critical injuries. One victim -- a 35-year-old male -- failed to survive. The other victim -- a 26-year-old -- lost an arm in the incident. This individual's current condition is unknown.