by Argyropoulos & AssociatesAvoiding Slip and Fall Accidents at Work
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured approximately every seven seconds. The infographic states that the top 3 injuries which result in lost days are overexertion, contact with objects and equipment, and then slip and fall accidents. Much like OSHA would caution you, many if not most of these work-related injuries are avoidable with proper precaution and care.
Slips, trips, and falls are particularly avoidable with some common sense solutions. Here are some ways in which you can avoid becoming a victim of negligence.
Slips are a Common Occurrence in Astoria, NYC
Pay attention to the ground you’re walking on and watch out for any spills and/or oily surfaces. A small portion of the ground getting slicked with liquid and a bit of dirt can spell out unexpected disaster for you. We often laugh at cartoon characters that trip on banana peels, but the reality is that is how the scenario unfolds in many cases. A person unexpectedly meets the ground with significantly less traction than they anticipated and one foot slides counter to the other. Even in circumstances when a person does not fall due to the sudden loss of traction, there is a large possibility to cause strains and overstretched ligaments
Trips in the Workplace Happen Often
Trips happen for reasons different than slips. Most trips occur due to poor housekeeping. Many trips occur due to uneven steps or areas in the facility. Housekeeping is an apt name for this type of workplace negligence. If your workplace is unorganized and has objects laying around or objects which block your view or items such as power cables lying about on the ground, the likelihood that someone will experience a trip and fall is much higher than it needs to be. Tr
What are the Best Ways to Avoid Slip and Fall Accidents?
The first and foremost way to avoid slips is to wear slip resistant shoes. In many industries—especially the food service industry, many people slip and fall because they fail to wear shoes that adhere to the standards set by OSHA for Minimum Floor Coefficient of Friction (COF). It is the deeper treading on these shoes which give them their slip-resistant abilities. Treading greatly impacts how effective the shoes are at preventing any loss of traction.
However, that does not account for all slips that occur—if it did, there would be no need for legal action in regards to work-related slips. The truth of the matter is that many employers fail to adequately handle a manner of issues including but not limited to: wet ground, spills, environmental hazards due to weather, ground that has suddenly changing levels of traction.
There is something to be said about exercising personal caution in regards to how an employee maneuvers and conducts themselves in the workplace. However, much of what needs to be done in terms of workplace safety rests on the shoulders of the employer. Cleaning up spills, organizing the floor so that there are no obstructions and making sure all cords and cables are snug and routed properly as well as ensuring that there is adequate lighting in the workplace are all logistical issues that need to be handled by your employer.
Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City
In a perfect world, all workplaces would be streamlined, efficient and safe for traversal by employees. Sadly, this is not the case, and so in the meantime having a proper law firm representing you is in your best interests. At Argyropoulos and Associates LLC, we have extensive knowledge and experience regarding slip and fall accidents. If you feel as though you have suffered an injury due to employer/workplace negligence, do not hesitate to contact us so that you may be represented fully and fairly.
by Argyropoulos & AssociatesDriving in the New York Winter
According to a recent article by CNN, “[this is] the fifth consecutive season that at least 30 inches of snow have fallen in New York City. The only other recorded time it snowed this much, for this long a period, was back in the 1880s (Enten)”. With increased rates of snowfall and ice on the roads, drivers living in New York City have to be very careful while they brave their morning commute.
If you’ve been living in New York City for the past few years, you may have experienced the largest snowstorm in the history of the city; in January 2016, New York City experienced a 27.5-inch snowstorm and the only subzero temperature since 1994. The National Weather Service is warning people to exercise extreme caution due to record levels of snowfall and inclement weather. Naturally, citizens need to take extra precautions during the winter months due to dangerous conditions on the road.
More Snow More Problems
Remember this: when the road is icy and/or wet, it takes a much longer time to come to a complete stop in a motor vehicle. By not leaving enough space in front of their car, a driver will not have enough time to break in the event of a sudden stop. This can lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle, which can result in a rear-end collision. These types of accidents can be mitigated if drivers leave enough extra space between their automobile and the automobile in front of them. It’s a simple equation that far too many people do not seem to follow: more space equates to more reaction time.
Winter Driving Tips
There are quite a few strategies you can use to lower your risk of a car accident in New York City during the winter months.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. If you accelerate or slam on the breaks too quickly on an icy patch, it can send your car spinning. Remember, inclement weather will increase brake time.
- Your margin of safety between cars should increase. If you are driving on the highway, allow yourself a breaking distance of 7-10 seconds from the car in front of you. When it is not icy out and visibility is ideal, the recommended time is 3-4 seconds.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This will help avoid a gas line freeze.
- Regardless of the weather, always wear a seatbelt and encourage your passengers to do the same.
- That text or phone call can wait. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, 9 people in the U.S. are killed each day as a result of crashes involving a distracted driver.
Automobile Accident Attorneys in New York City
Even if you follow every safety precaution recommended, there is always a chance that another driver could rear-end your vehicle. With record levels of snowfall and a record number of miles driven in the U.S. last year, the occurrence of automobile accidents is not on the decline. If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident in New York City, Argyopoulos & Associates is here to represent you. With over 27 years of legal practice, we have the experience needed to settle any legal conundrum. If you need representation, contact us today to speak with an attorney.