Construction Industry Safety and Hazards in NYC
An article released last month by the New York Post revealed a disturbing trend in the construction industry- construction accidents are on the rise! Amid a current building boom across New York City, the rate of construction-related deaths have almost doubled and injuries from construction accidents have increased by 17 percent. The most recent construction tragedy occurred back on September 13, 2018, when a worker was killed in a wall collapse while digging for a residential development in Brooklyn. The Construction Industry is Deadly On any given day, almost 6.5 million workers perform their job on a construction site. This is one of the most dangerous industries with one of the highest fatality rates in the country, where daily working hazards can cause severe and fatal injuries in the blink of an eye. In 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded approximately 6,882,000 employed American construction workers. Though these workers only account for 4% of the country’s workforce, the industry’s injury and fatality rates are shockingly high. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 4,693 workers were killed on the job in 2016- 21.1% of these deaths were in the construction industry. What makes this line of work so dangerous? The Construction Industry’s Fatal Four Between massive machinery, hazardous chemicals, and dangerous heights, construction provides more opportunities for workers to get injured than in almost any other industry. What can make these work sites even more dangerous is when proper safety measures and equipment are not used that help prevent workers from catastrophic accidents. More than 60% of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry can be traced back to what safety organizations call the ‘Fatal Four’, which include: Falls Struck by Object Electrocutions Caught-in/between When examining the 2016 fatality statistics, the ‘Fatal Four’ took the lives of 631 workers out of a total of 991 total fatalities in the construction industry that year: Falls (384 fatalities), Struck by Object (93 fatalities), Electrocutions (82 fatalities), Caught-in/between (72 fatalities). Common Construction Injuries The National Safety Council (NSC) reports construction is the fifth most dangerous industry in the country, resulting in an average of 71,730 non-fatal construction injuries every year. The top two injuries in construction were back injuries (11,690 cases) and hand injuries (11,200 cases). These and other injuries can range from minor to debilitating, some of the most common listed by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News include: Burns and scarring Head injuries Spinal cord injuries Cuts and lacerations Broken, crushed, fractured bones Amputations Hearing loss Stress injuries Heat stroke Vision loss The longer a worker remains in construction, the higher their chances of injuries become. A construction worker with a 45-year career in the industry has a 1-in-200 chance of a fatal injury and a 75% chance of a disabling injury, and these increase further when employees are working under unsafe or unprotected working conditions. How NYC Employers Can Protect Workers Most accidents in the construction industry are completely preventable by following safety protocols and using the proper protective equipment. While some employers are outright negligent on their work sites, other employers may be genuinely unaware they are putting their employees at risk until after a catastrophe occurs. OSHA encourages all construction contractors and employers to start making their work sites safer by reviewing the most popular reasons for safety violations during inspections: Fall protection failures Not following hazard communication standards Scaffolding violations Respiratory protection failures Lack of controlling hazardous enters (lockout/tag out) Unsafe use of ladders Powered industrial truck violations Machinery and machine guard negligence Lack of fall protection training Improper electrical and wiring methods Employers are responsible for doing their research in knowing the appropriate safety equipment required for each assigned task on the job site. Examples of the most commonly used personal protective equipment in construction include: Hearing protections Protective gloves Face shield (full, half) Goggles for chemical splashes Respiratory protection Fall protection equipment Protective clothing and footwear The construction industry is hazardous enough without accidents caused by lack of safety precautions. Employees can greatly reduce their risks of injuries by wearing the appropriate safety equipment and employers should be providing these for each job. NYC Construction Workers Have Rights New York City construction workers have the right to effective safety measures, training, and protections on the job. If you or loved one has sustained a construction injury due to the negligence of another, our winning team is here to help. For over 20 years, the construction accident lawyers of Siler & Ingber has fought aggressively for the right for NYC construction workers to have a safe and protective working environment. Contact us at 1-877-529-4343 for a free consultation. Related Information NYC Construction Sites Safety Than Rest of State
Unforeseen Limo Dangers in New York and How to Avoid the Risks
New York State has some of America’s strictest regulations for limousines, yet that did not prevent the fatal SUV limo accident that claimed 20 lives this past Saturday in upstate New York. This accident is the worst transportation accident in nearly a decade, raising serious safety and regulation questions for the limousine industry. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, limousine operators must comply with strict state laws and federal laws if they operate between states or venture into Canada. In this case, the Albany-area limo operator Prestige Limo failed a state inspection in September and was driven by a man who didn’t have the required license, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday. To read the full article, click here. Why Are Limos So Dangerous? Most people do not think twice about renting a limousine for special occasions like weddings or birthdays, but limos and party buses can be even more dangerous than a typical car. The most common type of accidents involving limos are rear-end accidents, sideswipes, and parking lot accidents. The size of the limousine contributes to these accidents, but there are other dangers for riding in a limousine as well. This includes failure to follow safety regulations, poor construction and mechanical error, as well as unregistered limousine companies and unlicensed drivers. Under current regulations, the limo and driver of the deadly crash should never have been on the road. Regulations of Limousines and Drivers in New York Within the U.S. all states require licenses for limousines and drivers. According to New York State law, each for-hire vehicle that seats 10 or more passengers must be inspected twice a year by the Department of Transportation. The limo involved in the fatal crash on Saturday failed a state inspection. They are also subject to a roadside inspection by police at any time. During those inspections, police will look through the driver’s log and licensing requirements. They will also check safety features such as brakes, lights, and emergency exits. Under current state regulations, a limo driver is required to have a specialized license, based on the number of potential passengers and the weight of the vehicle, certain driver qualifications and medical examination requirements, passing a road exam twice a year and random drug and alcohol testing. What to Look for When Renting a Limo Check to make sure that the company is registered, the driver is licensed, and the car is insured before you sign a contact. Check the company’s status at the Better Business Bureau to see if the limo service has any complaints lodged against it. Ask the car service questions about the chauffeur including his or her track record and driving experience. Inspect the limousine prior to signing up. Look for inspection stickers and write down the VIN to ensure the company does not switch vehicles on you. Look into the company’s cancellation policy and know your rights to terminate the contract if a red flag appears. To ensure a smooth ride, get every detail of the deal in writing. With awareness and practicality, a limo ride can be just as glamorous as it is portrayed. If you or someone you love has been injured in a limo accident, please contact our winning legal team at Siler & Ingber, LLP for a free case evaluation on 1-877-529-4343.
Speed Zone Camera Debate
Four years ago, speed cameras were installed in Nassau County school zones that caused massive chaos for parents and residents. In the three short months they were active, the school zone cameras issued over $24 million in revenue for the county in traffic violations, a move that gained the program a reputation as a ‘cash grab’ rather than a safety method. Now, the topic of reinstalling the controversial speed cameras is back on the table with some school districts making specific requests for the program. As the new school year begins on Long Island, school officials are claiming there could be a significant value in utilizing the speed cameras to help reduce serious and fatal speeding accidents in school zones. However, residents who remember the issues these speed cameras caused in the past are not on board with taking another chance with the pesky program, igniting a popular debate as officials determine the next best move for the county. Tainted History of Nassau Speed Cameras When the speed camera program was first initiated back in June 2014, county and school officials hoped the program would increase safety for students by reducing the number of speeding cars using the threat of hefty violations. Unfortunately, the cameras did not live up to the hype, displaying major malfunctions such as: Ticketing drivers without notifying them of the speed limit change. Ticketing drivers before and after school hours were in session. Ticketing drivers during non-school hours (weekends and summer break). A number of residents received tickets without even knowing the speed cameras were installed and active, causing a backlash of angry parents and local drivers who saw the program only as a way to get extra revenue. Yet, despite the outrageous disapproval of the speed cameras in the past, there are still plenty of supporters, particularly ones who have noticed New York City neighborhoods reaping the benefits of a properly running program. Speed Camera Support in NYC Not all cities in New York oppose speed cameras as strongly as Long Island residents. Back in July of this year, New York City residents were panicking at the notion that their school speed zone cameras were going to be turned off for good when the New York Senate failed to pass the legislation to keep the program alive. However, in response to an outpour of concerns, the bill was expanded and renewed quickly to get the school speed zone cameras in NYC up and running again. The new bill was signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio on September 4th, easing hundreds of concerned parents involved in 140 affected communities across the city. Pros of Speed Cameras The massive amount of supporters for school speed zone cameras in NYC begs the impending question- are there true benefits of these speed camera programs for our student’s safety? A study out of PubMed Health shows that cities who install speed cameras reduce their fatal and serious crash outcomes by 30 to 40% in the areas they are placed. The study concluded speed cameras appeared to be a worthwhile investment to help cities reduce their fatality rates in areas known for speeding accidents, or high-risk areas such as school zones with greater numbers of pedestrians. Elite Driving School based in Maryland highlights two additional benefits when it comes to installing speed cameras that could make them successful in increasing safety: Situational Compliance: If drivers are well aware that speed cameras are located in a school zone, they are much more likely to slow down to avoid a fine. They tend to behave themselves more when it comes to avoiding spending unnecessary money and in turn, will reduce the number of speeding accidents where the cameras are placed. Random Uncertainty: When drivers encounter enough speed cameras, they may start to assume that speed cameras are everywhere, adjusting their speed more often to reduce the risk of getting unknowingly fined. Cons of Speed Cameras Several national organizations oppose speed cameras, reporting the positive benefits of these programs are purely anecdotal and unreliable. The National Motorists Association defines these results as the most negative outcomes of speed cameras, even when installed in school zones: False Readings: Speed camera radars are not as accurate as they claim to be. These imperfect devices can easily result in wrongful fines, costing unsuspecting residents hundreds or even thousands of dollars if they are unaware of how to fight the charge. Traffic Congestion: Speed cameras cause some drivers to overreact and go too slow. This can not only create a safety hazard for cars going the speed limit but can create unnecessary traffic congestion, which poses its own risk of accidents. No Accuser: When someone is issued an unfair ticket by an officer, you can confront your accuser in court. But how do you confront a faulty camera? ‘Kangaroo Effect’: Drivers are who are aware of where the speed cameras are might fall into the dangerous ‘kangaroo effect’: the process by which cars often slow down and speed right back up as soon as they are out of the ticket zone. This effect can cause unnecessary accidents for other motorists and pedestrians outside of the school zones where the cameras are placed. The Endless Debate The debate as to whether or not speed cameras actually protect students and pedestrians within school zones is still up in the air. In extremely congested and fast moving parts of New York City, these cameras seem to be favored as a safety measure for reducing harm to students as evidence of the multiple rallies and petitions enacted to get them turned back on. But many Nassau County residents are still on the fence about these devices remembering the complications they brought in the past. County officials may need to offer more evidence that the safety benefits for our students are worth the investment in speed cameras before the majority of the public gets on board with the proposed measures. Our personal injury attorneys at Siler &
National Fall Prevention Month
Slip and fall accidents occur year round and can happen anywhere: work, home, or just out on the town. In fact, over 8 million people visit the emergency room every year to treat injuries caused by fall-related incidents, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). These types of accidents are the leading cause of hospital visits across the country and can result in permanent or even fatal injuries if the conditions of the fall are serious enough. National Fall Prevention Month When you think of deadly accidents, most think of vehicle crashes or incidents involving dangerous machines. However, fall accidents can be just as deadly. In just one year, slip, trips, and falls contribute to approximately: 12,000 occupational fatalities (OSHA). 30,000 fatalities of people over the age of 65 (AARP). 150 child fatalities (Safe Kids Worldwide). In addition, millions of people of all ages sustain nonfatal injuries from fall-related accidents that sometimes result in permanent disabilities or catastrophic losses. To help spread awareness on the dangers of fall-related accidents, September is known as National Fall Prevention Month. This safety campaign aims to educate people on the most common causes of slips, trips, and falls, as well as how they can help prevent these accidents to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that could occur. Two Types of Fall Accidents When it comes to accidents involving a fall, there are two main types: falls from elevation (40% of slip and fall cases) and falls from the same level (60% of slip and fall cases). Both of these can cause serious or even fatal results, which is why everyone needs to be aware of the hazards to look out for to help prevent a disaster. Elevated Falls: Falls from elevation are less common than same level falls, but injuries can be far more severe in these instances. Elevated falls occur most often in occupational environments where workers are at a higher risk of injury due to their job requirements. The most common elevated fall accidents highlighted by the National Ag Safety Database (NASD) include: falls off ladders or unsteady platforms falls from vehicles or equipment falls off loading docks falls down stairs Same Level Falls: Fall accidents on same level surfaces are the most common type of fall injuries. There are numerous hazards that could cause someone to fall and injure themselves simply by walking to down the street, the most common being: slippery floors or slick walking surfaces dry floors with wood dust or powder clutter/obstacles in common walking areas inadequate lighting in common walking areas loose flooring uneven walking surfaces weather-related hazards (ice, snow, rain) stationary obstacles on the street (garbage cans, benches) shopping carts, strollers, or other large pushing devices Lucky individuals who survive any of these fall hazards, both elevated and on the same level, may only walk away with a few bruises and a damaged ego. But for others, slip and falls can completely alter their lives. Most Common Fall Injuries Injuries that result from fall accidents range from minor to severe, to fatal. Depending on the type of fall, the age of the individual, and any preexisting health conditions, NASD reports victims of slip and fall accidents can suffer a variety of injuries, including: back injuries joint damage in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder joint damage in the ankle, knee, or hip broken bones and fractures sprains and strains lacerations and bruising traumatic brain injury spinal cord damage death Back injuries are the most common of all fall injuries, contributing to 37% of all elevated falls and 29% of all same level falls in the United States. An article published by Health Link BC identifies multiple back conditions victims of fall accidents could endure: back strains or sprains tearing of the back muscles and ligaments overlapping of the vertebras on the spinal column, triggering misalignment. pinched of nerves damaged bones, muscles, cartilage or tendons surrounding the spine. ruptured discs vertebral fracture paralysis Victims of fall accidents cannot always predict when they are about to sustain a fall injury- otherwise, they would choose not to! Prevention and preparation is the most effective method for reducing the number of fall accidents that can occur in all environments, including in the home, workplace, and public spaces. Preventing Falls At Home For individuals who are prone to falling in their own homes, it’s extremely important to fall-proof all common areas to help prevent the risk of unnecessary injuries. Push Button Emergency Help (PBEH) recommends taking the following steps to make your home safer: Remove tripping hazards inside (toys, clothes, doors, clutter, laundry baskets, bags) outside (garden hose, bikes, furniture). Add extra lighting to walking paths (nightlights and permanent lighting). Make stairs safe (remove clutter, smooth carpet, replace loose boards and screws). Install grab bars if needed for balance on stairs, outside, or in the bathroom. Use non-slip rugs and surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms with slick floors. Preventing Falls At Work Falls at work can be extremely dangerous, particularly on construction sites and in warehouses full of hazardous machines and materials. Grainger recommends following these guidelines for creating a safer workplace to prevent fall accidents: Assign housekeeping: Get all employees on board with keeping their work areas clean and tidy, putting away tools when done and keeping machines out of walking paths. Reduce slippery surfaces: Reduce wet or slippery surfaces on sidewalks, parking lots, food preparation areas by keeping them clean, providing cleaning materials for spills nearby, or other materials to soak up liquids and grease. Avoid obstacles in aisles: Clear cords, cables, hoses, boxes, cabinets, briefcases, and all other hazards out of walking aisles. Proper lighting: Make sure all areas of the workplace are lit appropriately for the time of day workers are performing their jobs. Wear proper footwear: Wear shoes with effective traction and protective toes to meet the needs of the job you are performing. Control employee behavior: Address any untidy behavior that could lead to
Child Passenger Safety Week
At the beginning of August this year, two children were seriously injured outside of Splish Splash Water Park in Calverton after they were ejected from a Jeep during a car accident. Neither of the children were buckled up or secured within car seats, causing serious injuries to a 5-year-old and an 11-year-old who was run over by the front tire of the Jeep. Both these children were extremely lucky- as the results could have been much worse. Car Accidents are #1 Cause of Death For Children Car crashes are the number one cause of death for children under the age of 15. Most of the unintentional injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents involving children are completely preventable just by making sure they are properly secured in safety seats and seatbelts. Unfortunately, more parents and guardians are either skipping this step when putting their kids in the car, or unknowingly making fatal mistakes when it comes to their child passenger seats resulting in hundreds of unnecessary deaths every year. Child Passenger Safety Week Between 2010 to 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 18,000 children under the age of 15 were involved in a car crash; 15.9% of the children died in these crashes. To help spread awareness and prevent further unnecessary child fatalities, the NHTSA named the last week of September Child Passenger Safety Week, followed by National Seat Check Saturday. From September 23 – 29, the NHTSA along with countless other national and local organizations launch active safety campaigns geared towards parents/guardians on the importance of car seat safety. Resources and events to assist on appropriately and properly installing car seats will be held throughout Long Island this week, and residents should be ready and willing to take advantage. Biggest Car Seat Mistakes Every 33 seconds, a child under the age of 13-years-old is involved in a car accident, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Car seats are vital to protecting our children when it comes to car accidents but if they are not being used properly, they may not do their job. NPR reports at least 43% of children who die in car accidents are not buckled properly in a seat belt or child passenger safety seat- most parents don’t even realize it. An article published in Fatherly highlights the seven most common car seat mistakes parents are making that could cause serious harm or even death to their children in a car crash: Installing Car Seats Improperly– Common installation mistakes include wrong angles, using the wrong belt, not securing seat correctly, not following the manufacturer’s instructions. Turning Car Seat Too Soon– According to new recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should keep their kids rear facing as long as possible. Yet, a number of parents turn their kids around well before just because it’s easier. Not Fastening Seat Top Tether- The top tether of the car seat can keep children facing forward from toppling in a car accident. Fatherly reports more than 64% of parents don’t even use the top tether and 50% aren’t attaching it correctly. Not Tightening Shoulder Harness Correctly- Leaving space in the harness is extremely dangerous and can cause your child to slip out of the seat and be ejected from the car. There should be no slack in the shoulder harness. Not Taking Off Winter Coats– Winter coats can cause a child to be loosely secured in a seat, even if it appears the straps are tight. There are an extra four inches of space between the coat and the child that can cause a child to fly out easily. Not Using The Right Seat- If children are in a seat that is too big or too small, they can be seriously injured in a car accident without the proper protection for their body. Missing Recalls- Not sending in the registration form for your car seat can cause parents to miss important safety recalls for their products that could put your kids in danger. Long Island Resources Parents on Long Island should take full advantage of local resources and events available during Child Passenger Safety Week, including participating in National Seat Check Saturday. Making sure your child’s safety seat is properly secured and appropriate for their size could save their lives and protect them permanent or disabling injuries. Nassau and Suffolk Counties both offer multiple sites for car seat installation assistance. Parents are required to make appointments before to ensure they have enough time to ask all the questions needed for their child’s safety: Nassau County BabySeat University Contact: George at 516-382-0262 Education and Assistance Corporation Department of Public Works, 170 Cantiague Rock Road, Hicksville By appointment only Se habla español Contact: 516-292-7362 Second location: 175 Fulton Ave., Hempstead By appointment only; Se habla español Contact: 516-292-7362 Garden City Police Department 349 Stewart Ave., Garden City Contact: 516-465-4121 Nassau County Traffic Safety Board 170 Cantiague Rock Road, Hicksville Tuesday, Wednesdays 12:30-1:45pm Contact: Christopher Mistron at 516-571-9664 North Shore LIJ Health System Cohen Children’s Medical Center, 269-01 76th Ave., New Hyde Park Select Saturdays and Sundays from March through November, 9am-12pm, call first for an appointment Contact: Debora Riccardi at 718-470-3352 Strapped In Car Seat Safety Visit us in Woodbury or House Calls Available Text or call: 516-521-3696 Town of Hempstead Department Public Safety 200 N. Franklin Street, Hempstead Wednesdays, 9am-1:30pm Contact: 516-538-1900 x217 Suffolk County Hassell Auto Body 390 Route 109, West Babylon Weekdays, 10am-2pm No appointment necessary Contact: Doug Hassell, Jr. at 631-587-5500 East Hampton Town Police Department 131 Wainscott Northwest Road, Wainscott Weekdays, 9am-5pm Contact: John Claflin at 631-537-7575 x208 Education and Assistance Corporation 80 Wheeler Road, Central Islip Se habla español; By appointment only Contact: 631-648-7100 x210 Good Samaritan Hospital 1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip Contact: Jill Bocchieri at 631-376-4109 Troop L 7140 Republic Airport, Farmingdale Call for open Saturday each month; others by appointment only Contact: Trooper Frank Bandiero at 631-756-3389 Southold Police Department 41405 Route 25, Peconic Contact: Henry
Cops Vigilant Over Labor Day Drunk Driving in Long Island
Labor Day is almost here and Long Island police are getting prepared. Suffolk County officers have already set up checkpoints and extra patrols to look for distracted drivers and drivers under the influence as a part of their aggressive plan to reduce Labor Day road fatalities and injuries. Seven people have already been arrested at these checkpoints last weekend for DWI’s between Friday night and early Saturday morning, with more to come as the holiday approaches. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Long Island police along with national safety organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are fed up with reckless drunk driving accidents around Labor Day. The NHTSA reports an average of 10,000 fatalities are caused by drunk driving accidents each year, an average of one person killed every 51 minutes! The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates nearly 450 of these deaths occur over Labor Day weekend alone, along with at least 48,000 non-fatal injuries that can quickly ruin the return of any vacation. In light of these horrifying statistics, New York State has adopted NHTSA’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to crackdown on drunk driving accidents statewide. The campaign aims to help reduce unnecessary traffic accidents from drunk and impaired driving by adding more checkpoints, troopers on the roads, and establishing a zero tolerance policy for any driver caught impaired behind the wheel. Labor Day Increases Drunk Driving With summer coming to a close and end of season parties scheduled, local authorities around the country are already geared up for an increase in drunk drivers on the road. According to SoberingUp, at least 40% of driving accidents on Labor Day involve a driver who is impaired. Drunk driving increases over the summer holidays for multiple reasons, including: Increase in parties Decreased supervision Lack of school responsibilities First-time drinkers Increase in vacation time taken Three day weekends for summer holidays Labor Day weekend can be particularly dangerous because it is the last ‘hoorah’ for a lot of students and parents before the next school year begins. But in attempts to make the best out of the last days of summer, hundreds of people are dying over Labor Day weekend every year, making it one of the six most dangerous holidays, according to the American Safety Council. Drunk Driving Violations in NYS New York State and Long Island police departments are on the lookout and ready to place hefty fines on drivers caught driving impaired this Labor Day. There are several types of alcohol and drug-related violations drivers can face depending on the level of substances consumed, including: DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): Blood alcohol content is .08 or higher for passenger vehicles or .04 for commercial vehicles, or other evidence of intoxication presented. Aggravated DWI (Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated): Blood alcohol content is .18 or higher. DWAI/Alcohol (Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol): Blood alcohol content is more than .05 and less than .07, or other evidence of impairment. DWAI/Drug (Driving While Ability Impaired by a Single Drug other than Alcohol) DWAI/Combination (Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol) Chemical Test Refusal: When a driver refuses to take a breath, blood, or urine test to test intoxication. Zero Tolerance Law: A law affecting a driver who is less than 21 years of age and drives with a .02 to .07 blood alcohol content. Getting caught for any of these violations could cost NYS drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines, possible jail time, and a revoked license depending on the offense. One Of The Most Dangerous Driving Days Labor Day is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road and drunk driving is not the only reason why: Increased Traffic: An average of 35 million motorists are predicted to be on the roads this Labor Day weekend according to past reports of traffic activity released by AAA. More cars on the road is always a precursor to an increase in traffic accidents, raising the chances of congestion, traffic jams, aggressive drivers, and reckless behaviors. Driving at Night: A number of drivers use the last day of the holiday weekend to drive home from their trips, but leave as late as possible to not miss out on any end of summer fun. Night drivers suffer from fatigue that can cause dangerous accidents and lack of judgment. NHTSA reports traffic accidents are three times more likely to happen between the times of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am when most holiday drivers are on the road at the end of their trips. Teen Drivers: The ‘100 deadliest days’ is a period of increased traffic accidents between Memorial Day to Labor Day where 1,000’s of people are killed due to an increase in inexperienced teen drivers on the road. Teen drivers are more likely to cause an accident due to speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving impaired, and general immaturely when driving- they are all over the roads by the end of the summer. Distracted Drivers: Whether you are daydreaming about the long weekend, or trying to keep a van full of kids quiet at the end of a road trip, holidays bring out more distractions than usual when it comes to driving. In addition to daily cellphone distractions, which cause most distracted driving accidents, holiday drivers have to worry about keeping their minds on the road amid increased activity and distractions both inside and outside of the car. Staying Safe This Labor Day The key to getting through this Labor Day safely is to make sure you are following as many safety precautions on the road as possible. You may not be able to control the habits of other drivers, but you can at least prepare your vehicle in the case of an emergency and watch your own behaviors to help prevent causing an accident. To help you prepare for Labor Day road conditions, USA Today suggests
Measures for Ensuring School Safety in Long Island
School supplies other than highlighters and five-subject notebooks are flying off the shelves this year at major box stores- bulletproof backpacks. Popular retailers are reporting bulletproof backpack sales are up 200 to 300 percent after the devastating school-shooting in Parkland, Florida this past February, with parents buying out of fear and dire need to protect their children at any cost. Parents Fear Sending Kids to School! As back-to-school approaches, students and parents are beginning to panic about school safety. In a new national poll, parental distress and worry about sending their children to school are higher than they’ve been in the last 20 years. Purchasing bulletproof backpacks is one method being used to ease the concern about the possibility of an attack at school, but parents are looking for more than just last-resort protective devices. LI School’s Stepping Up In the aftermath of both the Florida and Texas shootings last school year, Long Island schools are actively reacting to parental fear by incorporating new safety measures before students return in the fall. Suffolk and Nassau County school officials have been working on heightening protections for their students with several new safety upgrades throughout their districts, some examples including: Suffolk County: Installing more internal cameras (Montauk) Improving external cameras and increased security staff hours (Sayville) New identification badges for visitors (Harborfield’s district) RAVE App: Suffolk County educators now have access to the RAVE Panic Button app approved by Executive Steve Bellone, to help law enforcement and first responders act in the case of an active shooting situation or other emergencies. Staff is also able to communicate with other school officials on the premise through the app. Nassau County: Upgrading entryways (Syosset) Hiring armed guards within the district (Massapequa) Officials in both counties are taking into account how previous shooters were able to enter the schools they attacked, making changes to prevent similar incidents from happening in their own buildings: infrastructure upgrades, single point of entry destinations in schools, metal detectors, and other safety measures concerning school grounds are all being explored. Long Island school officials are also working closely to strengthen relationships with local law enforcement, highly involving them when it comes to making building safety upgrades and updates to emergency action plans. New York State Safety Policies Though each school and district is required by law to establish emergency response and safety teams for their schools, the New York State Education Department does provide some guidance to create more consistency in school safety statewide. The following five safety policies are recommended by the NYS Education Department to be used in every emergency response plan: Lockout: School buildings and grounds are secured due to the possible threat of an attack that is outside the school. Exterior windows should be locked, outdoor activities are canceled, but class continues as normal. Lockdown: School buildings and grounds are secure due to the possible threat of violence in or near the school. All students are cleared from hallways and locked in nearby rooms. Students go to safe areas in classrooms and remain hidden physically until law enforcement releases them. No communication is to be had through the door or room phones. Shelter-in-place: The school building is being used to shelter staff and students. All students are cleared from the hallways and moved into classrooms or designated areas where they can stay away from the windows. Hold-in-place: In this case, students and staff are to limit their movement while a short emergency is being dealt with. Typically, students should return to their classrooms. Evacuate: Students are moved to designated areas outside of the school. These policies will differ from school to school, making it critical for parents and children to stay educated on specific policy expectations for their own district. What Parents Can Do It’s easy to feel terrified and helpless when your child is in an emergency situation while at school. To help parents feel prepared to react in the case of a school attack, HealthyChildren.org suggests the using the following preventative steps: Talk to your child: Stay informed about what is going on at school, concerns they have, or concerning gossip they have heard from other students that could indicate a possible safety threat. Know the drills: Be familiar with the school’s lockdown, lockout, shelter-in-place, hold-in-place, and evacuation procedures. Know where your child is expected to be during these plans. Talk to the school: Know the teachers so you are aware of who is protecting your child during an emergency. Get involved in safety review meetings to be aware of any challenges that could arise at the school. Review the policies with your kids: Talk to your kids to make sure they understand why their school performs safety drills and what they know about protecting themselves in the case of an attack. Don’t instill fear in your child but make sure they are educated about what to do if they see suspicious behaviors. Know the school’s communication plan: Find out before an emergency occurs how the school plans to notify parents so you are not panicking to get your hands on accurate information. Create a family emergency plan: In the case of a school emergency, make sure you and your child have your own emergency plan for communicating throughout the crisis and meeting up after the students are able to leave the building. Provide up-to-date contact information: Make sure your child’s school has the most current emergency contact information for you, secondary emergency contacts, and physicians to call if an injury occurs. Provide backup supplies: If your child has special needs or medication, supply the school with backup supplies in the case that your child cannot leave the school in an emergency. Keep LI Kids Safe Schools are supposed to be a safe environment for children to learn, yet officials and local law enforcement are being forced to adapt to a modern world full of harmful threats. Long Island officials have a good start, but more
Dog Bites
In June of this year, a mother was walking home with her daughters and niece in the Bronx when they were attacked by two pit bulls. All of the victims were left with bite wounds and scratches after the dogs had somehow gotten away from their owners and charged at the group- the owners reportedly did very little to stop the attack. The following July, two pit bull attacks within one week rocked the community of Oceanside in the Town of Hempstead, resurfacing a controversial topic about the breed’s safety: A resident was walking her four-year-old Yorkshire Terrier on July 13 when she saw her neighbor walking her 7-year-old pit bull. The pit bull became agitated, causing the owner to drop the leash and viciously attacked the Terrier who later died of the injuries. Five days later on July 17, a family pit bull bit the head of an 11-month-old baby. Luckily the babies injuries were non-life threatening, but the family relinquished the dog to the town to be euthanized before any more harm could be done. Another attack by a pit bull was reported the following month in Manhattan. The incident left a King Charles spaniel in Washington Heights with a disfigured jaw and the owner with defensive scratches from attempting to fight off the dog that would not stop circling her while out for a walk. Dogs Bites are Deadly and Out of Control Man’s best friend has been used for decades as a method for reducing stress, anxiety, and even physically guiding humans who require assistance due to disabilities. But not all dogs are cuddly and supportive, in fact, some are nothing more than deadly and dangerous. In a study published by DogBite.org examining dog attack fatalities between 2005 to 2016, approximately 433 Americans were killed by vicious canine attacks. Sadly, 208 of these fatalities were children under the age of nine years old, a population much more likely to be trusting and open to dogs even when they appear to be dangerous. Injuries Caused by Dog Bites Every year, there are an astounding 4.5 million dog bites reported according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- about one dog bite every 75 seconds! Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and infections as highlighted by MedicineNet, including: Lacerations and severe skin damage Injury to underlying muscles, nerves, and bone Infections from diseases transferring from dog to human: Rabies: a virus affecting the brain, almost always fatal Capnocytophaga bacteria: can cause individuals with weak immune systems to become ill Tetanus: toxin-producing bacteria that causes paralysis MRSA: staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics, causes skin, lung, and urinary tract infections that can be life-threatening if it spreads to the bloodstream Pasteurella: seen in over half of infected dog bites, causing painful red infection, swollen glands, swelling of joints, and difficulty moving It’s estimated that about 1 in every 5 dog bites becomes infected after an attack, which can lead to serious illnesses, health conditions, and even death. While some injuries can be repaired with simple antiseptic and band-aids, other require serious medical care and surgery. Annually, around 27,000 victims of dog bites are forced to undergo reconstructive surgery from their attack, costing victims on average $18,200 just for a dog-bite related hospital stay. Most Dangerous Breeds Dog advocates around the country are adamant that owners are the number one factor of how dangerous a dog is to the public. Studies may show evidence that dogs are not born aggressive, yet the statistics regarding which breeds cause the most deadly attacks also do not lie. DogBite.org revealed a study showing the number of fatalities linked to each breed over a 13-year study on fatal dog attacks. Out of the 433 deaths examined in the country, these breeds were responsible for the following deaths: Pit bulls = 284 deaths Rottweilers = 45 deaths German shepherds = 20 deaths Mixed breed = 17 deaths American bulldogs = 15 deaths Mastiff/bullmastiffs = 14 deaths Husky = 3 deaths Almost all of the serious and fatal dog attacks within the New York City and Long Island communities over the last few months have been traced back to pit bulls. Arguments could be made that aggressive owners are drawn to these types of dogs, which is causing their vicious behaviors. Feelings aside, there remains an enormous problem to be addressed when it comes to breeds with historical patterns of violent behaviors- these dogs are permanently damaging and killing people. What’s the Law New York residents have rights to a safe community without the fear of being mauled by aggressive dogs. Owning a dog is a privilege in the state, not a right, and there are laws that must be followed to keep communities safe from unnecessary and preventable dog attacks. Most laws are locally based when it comes to leash requirements and areas where dogs are allowed in public. When it comes to determining ‘dangerous dogs’, New York State has its own protocols to follow when a complaint is made by a witness or victim of a dog attack. NYS defines a ‘dangerous dog’ as an animal who… attacks a person or other companion animal without justification and uses physical injury or death. behaves in a manner which would indicate the dog poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious harm or death. attacks a service or guide dog without justification, causing physical injury or death. Each municipality is required to name either a dog control/peace officer or employ their local police officers, to respond to situations where a dog attack occurs. These officers have the right to seize any dog who meets the following criteria: any dog that cannot be identified and is not on the owner’s premises, any dog that is not licensed, even if on the owner’s premises, any licensed dog which is not in the control of their owner or not on the premises and there is probable cause to
Red Light Camera Outrage
A woman from East Norwich was shocked when she received over $1,000 worth of traffic tickets in the mail for failing to stop at a red light. The resident had never gotten a ticket before and she doesn’t remember not stopping at the intersection cited on the violation. Another Nassau County man received 20 tickets all at once for violating the same red light camera in East Norwich; a camera he didn’t even know existed nor did he believe he had broken the law at. Nassau Residents Have Been Charged Thousands in Red Light Fines From One Intersection! A recent article published by Eyewitness News ABC7 reports residents in East Norwich are fuming at the installation of a new red light camera on Northern Boulevard and Route 106. Drivers continue to receive ticket after ticket in the mail for violating this light, even though most don’t remember breaking any laws. Some drivers are even receiving violations as many as 30 days past the date their initial violation occurred, followed but numerous other tickets shortly after for the same violation. Why are drivers getting so many tickets at this traffic light? Right-Hand Turns Gone Wrong All the tickets issued thus far at the intersection in question were related to right-hand turns. It’s legal to turn right on red at this location, however, according to the tickets, drivers are doing it ‘wrong’. When drivers approach the traffic light, they are typically expected to stop at the white line. When the camera picks up that a vehicle does not stop at the white line, they issue a violation to the driver for running the light. What’s rubbing residents the wrong way, aside from the obscene fines, is the manner in which the intersection is designed. The white line on Northern Boulevard turning onto Route 106 is 30-feet away from the corner where drivers have a safe visual of oncoming traffic. So instead of drivers stopping once at the line and again 30-feet ahead, drivers are rolling over the white line to stop once before turning right. The camera doesn’t pick up the second stop, assuming the cars are rolling right through the red light completely. Push To Forgive Violations Residents are less than thrilled with the violations from this red light camera, especially when they don’t arrive in the mail until a month later, and by then in abundance. Legislator Joshua Lafazan reported in the ABC7 article that he receives calls every day complaining about this aggravating light, and he’s not surprised. In his interview, Lafazan states, “If we’re going to penalize you nine, ten, eleven times when you didn’t know you needed to remediate your behavior, then shame on us.” Unfortunately, getting these violations forgiven is not as easy as complaining to the county. This particular red light camera is controlled by the state of New York and they don’t seem to be concerned. A spokesperson for the state agreed with the placement of the light, hopeful in its ability to encourage drivers to approach the intersection more carefully. However, most residents believe it’s unreasonable to expect drivers to alter their driving habits simply by handing out hefty fines, particularly when residents aren’t aware they are doing anything wrong until they are thousands of dollars deep in violations. How Red Light Cameras Work Red light cameras operate solely upon prediction, according to an article released by Endurance. Because these cameras are meant to catch violators who run red lights, the footage must begin recording prior to the incident to catch the driver in the act. Here are the three qualifications vehicles are supposed to meet before a violation is issued by a traffic camera: Vehicles approach an interaction when the traffic light is red. Vehicles are going above a certain speed upon approaching, triggering the camera footage to start. Vehicles continue to pass through the traffic light, resulting in the camera taking a picture of the license plate that results in a ticket. In the case of the red light cameras in East Norwich, the camera is recording and ticketing every vehicle who does not make a complete stop at the white line, snapping a shot of their license plate the moment they roll over it. But the technology is not picking up the drivers stopping before they make a right-hand turn, falsely accusing drivers of running through red lights completely when actuality they are stopping a few feet ahead of the line. Opposing Red Light Cameras This is not the first time traffic cameras have been a problem in Nassau County. Just last October, talk about reinstating troublesome speed cameras that failed miserably in 2014 caused a large backlash from the public. Residents were in an uproar about how the county was only out for extra revenue, and the recent red light camera debacle has not changed the public’s opinion. Even national organizations are beginning to question the effectiveness of traffic camera systems. The National Motorists Association (NMA) is a firm opposer of red light cameras. In an article titled Objection to Red Light Cameras, NMA highlights a number of reasons why states should stop the counterproductive use of traffic-control devices, some including: False perception of safety: NMA claims there is no verification that proves photo enforcement devices improve safety on the roads or reduce accidents. No witnesses: With traffic-cameras, there is only one explanation for the violation and no witnesses to prove otherwise what could have really happened. Inadequate notifications: Just like the residents of East Norwich, NMA doesn’t believe delayed violations have any effect on the driving behaviors of residents, nor is it fair. No decrease in accidents: NMA believes regardless of whether the cameras are present at intersections, they are not a determining factor in whether accidents are prevented. Little impact: Mailed violations and photo enhancements will not stop an aggressive driver from driving recklessly, particularly if the driver is fleeing the scene of a crime or not from the area where
When It Comes to Construction Worker Safety: New York City Diverges from the Rest of the State
There are several possible reasons the construction industry has seen an increase in workplace fatalities in New York State this decade. One, of course, is the improving economy, which has increased construction and general economic activity since the depths of the Great Recession. However, a quick look at how these trends compare, between New York State and New York City, suggest that there may be other factors involved. Since 2014, while statewide construction worker fatalities have increased, construction worker fatalities in New York City have actually declined slightly. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health attributes these diverging trends to different policies when it comes to workplace safety. OSHA Inspection Activity The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the Department of Labor responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards have generally seen reduced funding and scaled back their operations. Nationally, this has taken the form of reduced proactive workplace inspections. Since 2010, the number of inspections performed by the OSHA has decreased by about 20% overall. The number of proactive inspections has declined by 38%, leading to a 32% reduction in overall violations. It is natural to wonder if this reduction proactive enforcement activity has lead to increased hazards in the workplace. Unfortunately, the evidence is inconclusive at this point. While the fatality rate in New York State for construction workers has increased, the overall rate of non-fatal injuries, across the entire country, which is the full jurisdiction of the OSHA, has declined, as part of a long-term trend. This long-term, national trend is likely a result of technological advances that help make all kinds of workplaces safer. The increase in construction worker deaths in New York sate may be a result of other factors, specific to the State or the Industry. New York City’s Recent Initiatives With less enforcement of workplace safety at the Federal level, it is also natural to wonder what can be done at the state and local levels. This is where New York City diverges from the rest of the State. Unlike the State, New York City has a Department of Buildings, capable of providing construction workers with workplace safety enforcement not provided by the Federal Government. Also, New York City recently took on a few additional initiatives, which include… Mandating 40 hours of training for construction workers on projects of ten stories or more Enforcement strategies designed to target the four most common sources of unnecessary worker deaths; falls, electrocutions, being struck by and object, and getting caught in machinery Reporting on specific incidents to more consistently remind workers what can happen if they are negligent These initiatives, along with the resources available to the City, have lead to a drastically different outcome between the City of New York and the rest of the State. The rate of fatal incidents among workers is significantly lower for New York City than Statewide. In fact, for construction workers, New York State is significantly more dangerous than the Nation as a whole. Meanwhile, construction workers in New York City, despite having a higher risk of falls due to the number of tall buildings in the City, actually have a lower rate of fatal injuries on the job than the nation as a whole. So, Is NYC Safer for Construction Workers? It is still unclear whether our workplaces are getting safer. It would require some more extensive study to determine what adverse affects the reduction in proactive enforcement from the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration are having on workplace safety. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that New York City has created a safer environment, particularly for construction workers, than the rest of the State of New York. In any workplace, the goal should be to avoid all unnecessary death. In recent years, it appears as if New York City is moving in the right direction, while New York State is not.
