Firm News

MARCH MARKS NATIONAL LADDER SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH: PROTECTING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

This month, we observe National Ladder Safety Month, an awareness campaign dedicated to highlighting the crucial importance of ladder safety, particularly in the construction industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from ladders are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Shockingly, OSHA reports that over 100 workers are… (keep reading)

Alarming Report Reveals a Rise in NYC Construction Worker Deaths – 3 Years in a Row

Within the past three years, the construction industry in New York City has witnessed a troubling trend: a steady increase in worker fatalities. According to a recent report by NYCOSH (New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health), construction worker deaths have risen for the third consecutive year. As legal professionals dedicated to advocating for the rights… (keep reading)

What New Laws in NY Take Effect in 2024

As we step into the new year, New York is ushering in a wave of legislative changes that will significantly impact residents across the state. In a recent article by Gillian Hamilton published on January 2, 2024, in the Times Union, we gain insights into some pivotal laws slated to take effect this year. 1…. (keep reading)

OSHA Seeks Stronger Regulations for Construction Safety Gear

New Proposed OSHA Regulations for Safety Gear OSHA announced new proposed regulations to update the current Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards, clarifying the definition of appropriate safety gear. The action includes a proposal to explicitly require companies to ensure workers’ safety gear fits properly and to avoid using community PPE or ‘one-size-fits-all’ products. Previously, manufacturers… (keep reading)

The Dangers of Outdated Construction Helmets

Safety advocates are bringing to light an overlooked hazard with construction helmets that is leading to unnecessary accidents and injuries.  Between 2003 and 2008, Occupational Health & Safety reported that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were the leading cause of occupational fatalities, with 29% resulting from fall accidents. While current regulations set by the Occupational Safety… (keep reading)

Construction Worker Rescued by FDNY in Manhattan

FDNY members rescued a construction worker on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on Thursday when he fell 30 feet between two buildings while on the job.  AMNY reports the accident occurred on Broome Street between Attorney and Clinton around 9:00 am. Because the space the worker was lodged in was so narrow, FDNY responders… (keep reading)

National Safety Month

June marks the beginning of National Safety Month, an optimal time to focus on reducing workplace fatalities and injuries before the summer rush. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), preventable injuries are the fourth leading cause of death nationwide. At least 4,472 workers were killed in workplace accidents in 2021, while another 4.26 million… (keep reading)

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

With motorcycle riding season officially underway, it’s time to call attention to the importance of safe driving to reduce unnecessary road fatalities this season. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the perfect time to take stock of your driving behaviors and encourage family and loved ones to do the same. The more active we are… (keep reading)

Best (Worst) Hospitals in NYC for Spring 2023

Medical errors remain a leading cause of death in the United States. Over 250,000 patients die every year from preventable medical mistakes, according to research by John Hopkins Medicine. When these preventable errors lead to life-threatening injuries, hospitals must be held accountable for their lack of safety.  Despite all we know about preventable safety measures,… (keep reading)

Carlos’ Law Passes After 7 Years

On December 23, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul finally passed Carlos’ Law. The bill, first introduced by Francisco Moya in 2017, has been in limbo for seven long years. Its passing is considered a significant step in holding employers and contractors responsible for the safety and well-being of construction workers, particularly immigrant workers who are often… (keep reading)

Fifth Fatal E-Bike Battery Fire in 2023

Two siblings were killed in a tragic e-bike battery fire on Monday in Astoria, Queens. According to the Daily News, a 7-year-old boy and his 19-year-old sister became trapped in a second-story apartment on 46th St. near 28th Ave. after an e-bike caught fire in the building.  Authorities reported that the fire originated in the… (keep reading)

Fatal Construction Fall at Chase Bank

A construction worker in Manhattan was killed in a fatal fall on Saturday at the new JPMorgan Chase Bank Headquarters construction site in Midtown.  According to Channel 4 New York, the worker was on the 12th floor of the building at the time of the accident. Investigations from the Department of Buildings (DOB) reported the… (keep reading)