Losing loved ones in workplace accidents is not something wished upon anybody. Along with the trauma and the need to grieve, additional financial hardship may be experienced. This applies particularly if the deceased worker was the breadwinner. Fortunately, the New York workers' compensation insurance program offers assistance for surviving family members of workers who died in on-the-job accidents.A tragic industrial accident recently that claimed the lives of two employees of a distribution center in Lockport. According to a spokesperson of the sheriff's office, the 38-year-old and 62-year-old men were unloading a trailer load of Corian slabs when the accident occurred. Under unknown circumstances, the men became trapped under the load.Reportedly, Corian is a product similar to granite, and it is used for primarily for countertops. According to the deputies who [...]

New York workers expect their employers to provide them with safe work environments. Many companies boast that worker safety is a top priority. It pays for businesses to keep their workers safe, because worker injuries and deaths cost companies money. But according to experts, some companies don't do all they can to ensure worker safety, and unsafe practices continue.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that for employers, a worker's life is worth about $1 million, including legal costs, workers' compensation, medical and other costs that arise from injuries and fatalities. Actual costs after a workplace accident vary, but it can be said that each worker's life is very valuable to the employer.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issues citations and sometimes fines to companies that violate safety regulations. [...]

New York employees face serious slip, trip and fall risks every time they step into their workplace. Hundreds of workers die from these types of preventable accidents every year. In 2014, for example, 660 workers died after they fell from height while another 138 died after falling on the same level.Falls from height are a common risk found in the construction industry or in workplaces where an employee may be required to work above another level. Because these types of accidents can be so dangerous, there are certain steps that employers and employees are recommended to take before starting a project. This includes conducting a job hazard analysis and completing a fall prevention plan before getting started. Employees should also be taught how to use the proper fall protection equipment [...]