According to federal safety regulations governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers nationwide, including in New York must protect workers from known safety hazards. One area in which control is often neglected is roof work. When workplace safety plans are not in place for working at elevated levels, the consequences could be devastating.
Workplace safety plans are crucial for roof work
Drug charges filed against passenger of New York comedian
The actor and comedian, Pete Davidson, recently had a close encounter with law enforcement. It was reported that the actor was pulled over by upstate New York police in the early morning hours of a Saturday earlier this month. However, it was his passenger who was arrested on felony drug charges.
Reality star's daughter facing drug charges
Lynne Curtin, former star of "Real Housewives of Orange County," recently made headlines after her daughter Alexa, who also appeared on the show, was charged for multiple drug-related crimes. The young woman was pulled over after officers received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle. The officers reportedly found Alexa and another female inside the vehicle and found that there were warrants from cases she did not appear for. Alexa was taken to jail, and after four days, was released and taken to court to enter pleas for the three criminal cases against her. Alexa is facing criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, vandalism, petty theft, and drugged driving. Alexa pled not guilty to all charges, posted bond, and will return to court in October.
New tool could eliminate surgical 'never events'
A startup called SafeStart Medical wants to use cloud technology to make sure that New York patients aren't victims of surgical mistakes. The startup's app, which is compliant with HIPPA laws, involves the patient throughout the treatment process. Both patients and physicians review photos, consent forms and other relevant information prior to a surgical procedure taking place. SafeStart Medical's founder says that about 8,000 to 10,000 patients a year are impacted by what are referred to as "never events."
New Yorkers arrested for alleged organized retail theft
Organized retail theft refers to shoplifting on a much larger scale. Generally, a person commits organized retail theft or fraud if they work with other parties to steal from retailers with the intent of reselling the stolen items for financial gain. Two New Yorkers are now facing various theft-related criminal charges, including first-degree forgery, organized retail theft, third-degree larceny, possession of shoplifting devices and conspiracy to commit organized retail theft and third-degree larceny.
Government campaigns against DWIs involving drugged driving
People in New York may think that DWAIs can only be assessed against drunk drivers. However, a drugged driver can also be charged with driving while ability impaired, as drugs can impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle. And, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is taking steps to bring awareness about the issue of drugged driving.
OSHA's safety guidelines for tree care workers
In New York, as elsewhere, the tree care industry is one of the most hazardous. According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, landscape service workers make up 3.5 percent of all workplace fatalities despite composing less than 1 percent of the nation's workforce. Approximately 75 percent of these fatalities are related to tree trimming or removal with the three leading causes of death being falls, struck-by incidents and electrical accidents.
Construction workers' accidents: Chainsaw accident kills worker
Workers in the New York construction industry are supposed to be protected from known hazards by their employers. Sadly, many employees do not enjoy that kind of protection. Some construction workers' accidents occur in circumstances that involve safety violations. Compliance with safety regulations might have prevented the recent death of a 50-year-old worker.
Driver accused of speeding faces drunk driving charges
Drivers in New York who exceed the speed limit, drive erratically or have malfunctioning brake lights or other problems with their vehicles will always be at risk of being pulled over. What they say and do when this happens could lead to drunk driving charges. For this reason, many drivers call their attorneys immediately when they suspect they might be accused of driving while impaired.
Important rules for the safe handling of chemicals
New York businesses that work with hazardous chemicals will want to pay close attention to several safety rules. The first rule is for workers to perform all their duties according to established practices. Second of all, workers should be trained to anticipate all potential dangers while working.
Drunk driving charges might cost MTA driver his job
The MTA recently suspended a 24-year-old New York bus driver after an incident in which he allegedly rammed the bus into a number of vehicles. Apparently, there were nine passengers on the bus as it traveled through Brooklyn. Now facing drunk driving charges, the driver was arraigned and released without bail. Reportedly, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on a recent Sunday.
NYSDOT concerned over too many construction workers' accidents
The New York State Department of Transportation recently urged drivers to take extra care as they travel through road construction zones. Reportedly, crashes in work zones totaled almost 700 in 2017, with most of them caused by distracted driving. NYSDOT highway maintenance employees are at risk of being injured or killed in construction workers' accidents on every shift they work.
Important safety guidelines for workers near heavy machinery
Many workplaces in New York include machines of some type. Even small equipment has the potential to injure people, but heavy machinery often presents the greatest dangers of serious injury or death. Employers have a responsibility to evaluate hazards at work, take protective measures and train workers properly.
Construction workers' accidents: Worker injured in skyscraper
Those who work in construction in New York typically have to face a host of safety hazards regardless of whether a project involves a residence or a skyscraper. Although safety authorities expect employers to protect the health and safety of workers, the range of risks is so vast that safety violations seem to be par for the course. Unfortunately, the slightest errors can cause construction workers' accidents with catastrophic consequences.
Drug charges follow seizure of 204 pounds of packaged marijuana
Following a traffic stop on a recent Friday, two men will likely be considering their defense options. The New York State Police filed drug charges against them and locked them up in the Orange County Jail. The two men were in a pickup truck when they were pulled over by law enforcement on Route 208.
How common is occupational hearing loss?
Hearing loss is the most common work-related injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the reasons for this might be that an estimated 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work each year.
New Windsor crash leads to drunk driving charges
Firefighters from four different New York fire departments responded to a crash scene in Orange County on a recent Saturday afternoon. While the New Windsor accident reconstruction unit continued its investigation, a 51-year-old man was sent to jail on $10,000 cash bail or bond. He is awaiting his next court hearing to face drunk driving charges and more.
Can employees prevent construction workers' accidents?
Millions of workers in New York and other states report for duty at construction sites every day, knowing that they will put their lives on the line. Regardless of whether they are involved in building a residence or a skyscraper, some common hazards exist. Although employers are responsible for the health and safety of their workers, employees can do a lot to protect themselves and prevent construction workers' accidents.
