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NY Workers Need Protection From Cold-Weather Injuries

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, cold stress can be a serious problem for workers and employers have an obligation to provide protection from this hazard.  While there are no OSHA guidelines directly addressing employer obligations in cold environments, employers have a general duty to protect workers from risks likely to cause death or serious physical injury and OSHA indicates that prevention cold stress falls within this general obligation. If a worker suffers cold-related injuries due to winter weather conditions, the injured employee can take action. New York City workers’ compensation lawyers can help employees harmed by cold to make a benefits claim under workers’ compensation laws to get their medical bills covered and receive disability income if necessary.

Preventing Cold-Weather Injuries in Winter

OSHA indicates that cold stress can occur any time workers are performing their work tasks in near-freezing temperatures.  Certain risk factors also increase the likelihood that employees will have an adverse health reaction to the cold. These factors include wetness or dampness; pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism; or worker exhaustion. If the body becomes unable to warm itself in cases of extreme cold, workers could experience permanent tissue damage, serious injuries, and even death. Frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia are possible results of cold stress. Trench foot can occur due to prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions and could even occur when temperatures are as warm as 60 degrees.  Frostbite is caused when skin and tissues freeze, and it can lead to amputation. Hypothermia occurs if the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or less and it can be fatal. Employers can prevent workers from suffering dangerous injuries due to cold weather by providing adequate training on how to work in the cold. This includes instructing workers on how to recognize and respond to workplace conditions likely to result in cold stress. Employers should also provide training on how to dress appropriately for dangerous weather conditions and, if necessary, should provide cold weather gear to workers doing their jobs outdoors. Employees also have a role to plan in preventing cold stress. OSHA has several recommendations for employees including carefully monitoring their physical condition while at work; taking frequent short breaks in warm areas in order to provide time for the body to warm up; working in pairs so workers can watch out for each other; and scheduling outdoor work during the warmest parts of the day whenever it is possible to do so. Workers should also drink warm, sweet beverages while working outdoors in the cold but should avoid beverages with alcohol. OSHA indicates employers should support these efforts with scheduling breaks, setting work schedules, and providing warm beverages to workers when appropriate. Regardless of the steps employers take to try to prevent cold-related injuries, however, workers compensation laws mandate that employees are entitled to benefits if they are hurt while doing their job tasks. This means any employee who experiences injuries related to cold stress should reach out to New York City workers’ compensation lawyers to find out about options for pursuing a claim for benefits through the workers’ compensation system.

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April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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