Construction workers often work under extremely hazardous conditions. Not surprisingly, the construction industry consistently has the second highest number of work-related accidents, behind only the transportation industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Along with the myriad of other hazards that can cause injuries on a construction site, mobile construction equipment stands out as a leading cause. [Read more…]
OSHA Warns Hurricane Sandy Workers to Use Caution
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued a warning this month to workers involved in the Hurricane Sandy cleanup in New York, New Jersey and throughout New England. The warning advises workers of potential hazards and suggests steps to help workers protect themselves. [Read more…]
Mining among Riskiest Occupations
Despite efforts over the last several decades to make mining safer for workers, the mining industry remains one of the most dangerous in the United States. According to statistics released by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, coal mining is by far the most dangerous occupation within the mining industry. Eighty-eight U.S. coal mine workers died from 2009 through 2011. During that same three year period, 55 workers died in other types of mines, such as mineral, stone, sand and gravel. So far this year, the mining industry in New York has reported 86 work-related injuries, including one fatality. [Read more…]
Hurricanes and Personal Injury
Hurricanes and natural disasters are traditionally viewed as Acts of God. If a person is injured as a result of an Act of God, meaning that the cause of an accident was purely a natural force that “could not have been prevented by any amount of foresight and pains and care reasonably to be expected of [a defendant]”, then the injured party cannot recover any compensation. Nugent v. Smith, 1 C.P.D. 423, 444 (C.A.1876). [Read more…]