Queens Work Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Workplace Accidents in NYC

A work accident (also called an occupational accident) is any sudden and unexpected event that occurs during the course of work, leading to physical or mental harm. It typically happens while an employee is performing their job duties or is on the employer’s premises. Work accidents can range from minor injuries (like small cuts) to serious incidents causing permanent disability or even death.

New York City is a busy and bustling place that’s driven by millions of hard-working men and women. Unfortunately, workers in the construction, building trades, transportation, service trades, and other similar professions face considerable risks of suffering harm due to the nature of their work.

Our Queens work accident lawyers have been fighting for injured workers and families in New York City for more than 25 years. During our time in practice, we’ve represented workers harmed in a variety of accidents and have seen how certain types of accidents are more common and dangerous than others.

Some examples of common workplace accidents in New York City include:

• Falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death, especially in industries like construction. In fact, BLS data shows that falls account for nearly 38% of all construction deaths, which is why it’s at the top of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” construction hazards list. In construction and elsewhere, falls can be caused by a variety of factors, including accidents involving ladders, roofs, hoists, platforms, scaffolding, debris, and other slip and trip hazards.
• Struck by Object. Accidents involving traumatic impacts from objects are a leading cause of workplace accidents. These include incidents involving flying hazards (such as objects ejected by power tools), falling objects from heights, swinging objects, and rolling objects. These types of accidents occur across all industries.
• Caught-in or Caught-Between. Workers in construction, warehouses, transportation, and other industries face significant risks for injuries involving caught-in/caught-between accidents. These occur when workers are caught, crushed, or compressed between objects, and often result from improper training or lack of PPE.
• Electrocution. Trades workers and non-trades workers all face appreciable risks when it comes to electricity, including the risk of electrocution, which is fatal. Electrocution hazards can exist as exposed wiring, faulty machinery, high-voltage lines, and more. Even non-fatal exposure to electricity (electric shock) can cause injury, especially if it results in a fall.
• Transportation Accidents. Thousands of workers are injured and killed every year in accidents involving motor vehicles. This includes work vehicles such as graders, backhoes, and other construction equipment, forklifts, commercial trucks, and standard passenger vehicles.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances. Workers handling chemicals, gases, or other toxic materials may suffer from burns, poisoning, respiratory problems, or long-term illnesses like cancer. Lack of proper ventilation, protective equipment, or training often increases the danger.
• Workplace Violence. Violent acts such as physical assault, harassment, or intimidation between coworkers, customers, or outsiders can cause both physical and psychological harm. Workplace violence is a serious safety issue across many industries, especially healthcare, retail, and security.
• Crush Injuries. Workers can get caught between heavy machinery, vehicles, or collapsing structures, leading to severe crushing injuries to limbs or the torso.
• Hearing Damage (Noise-Induced Hearing Loss). Prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as construction sites or factories, can cause permanent hearing loss if proper ear protection isn’t used.
• Heat Stress and Heatstroke. Employees working outdoors or in hot indoor environments can suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke, which can be fatal without prompt treatment.
• Cold Stress (Hypothermia and Frostbite). Working in freezing temperatures without adequate protection can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, especially in outdoor industries like construction or fishing.
• Explosions. Chemical reactions, gas leaks, or dust buildup in confined areas can trigger explosions, causing massive injuries, burns, or fatalities in a matter of seconds.

Other Work Accident Scenarios

Workplace accident claims can also arise from lifting injuries, repetitive-use conditions, machinery incidents, trench or structural collapses, delivery crashes, and accidents involving forklifts or other work vehicles. A condition does not need to result from one dramatic event to raise workers’ compensation questions. Some cumulative injuries and work-related illnesses develop over time and require medical evidence connecting the condition to employment.

The accident type can affect the work accident evidence that should be investigated, including the worksite condition, equipment, incident reports, witnesses, and potentially responsible parties. It can also affect whether workers’ compensation issues, third-party negligence, or a New York Labor Law claim should be evaluated.