Craig D. Rosenbaum | October 28, 2025 | Workplace Accidents

Complete Guide to Workplace Hazards

No matter what kind of job you have in New York City, workplace safety is always important. From construction sites and warehouses to hospitals and office buildings, workplace accidents can happen pretty much anywhere. Employers are legally required to keep their workers safe, but when they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur.

Learning about some of the most common workplace hazards and your rights under New York law can help you stay protected and know what to do if you get hurt. Continue reading for more information, and reach out to a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation if you’ve been injured on the job.

Common Hazards in NYC Workplaces

Some workplace dangers are easy to spot, while others are not. 

Across New York City, workers face many types of hazards, including:

  • Slips and falls 
  • Construction and industrial hazards
  • Chemical exposure 
  • Biological hazards
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Infectious diseases
  • Workplace violence 

Employers may have a duty to identify and fix these hazards before anyone gets hurt. When they fail to do so (or if a related third party does), they could be liable for the resulting injuries and damages, depending on the facts of the case.

Safety Laws That Protect New York Workers

Workplace safety in New York is governed by both federal and state law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets national safety standards, while the New York State Department of Labor enforces additional local rules.

In general, New York employers typically must:

Construction workers have even stronger labor law protections, which hold employers and property owners responsible for unsafe conditions that lead to injuries. 

What to Do If You’re Injured at Work

If you’re hurt on the job, what you do next can affect your right to compensation. 

Here’s what to do:

  • Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible
  • Get medical treatment right away and keep your records
  • Take photos or videos of where and how the accident happened
  • File a workers’ compensation claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
  • Talk to a lawyer about whether you can also file a personal injury claim

Workers’ compensation can provide you with at least partial compensation for your lost wages and medical bills. However, in some cases, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

Employer and Third-Party Responsibility

In New York, you can’t always file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer (though you may be able to under certain circumstances, especially if you work in the construction industry). However, you may still have options for recovering full economic and non-economic damages in other situations.

Other times, a third party (like a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer) might be to blame. These cases are called third-party claims and can provide more compensation than workers’ compensation alone. Note, however, that you may be able to file both kinds of claims in some instances.

Contact the New York City Workplace Accident Attorneys at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Getting hurt at work can change the course of your life, but it’s important to remember that you may be entitled to compensation. In fact, you might have multiple legal avenues through which to pursue money damages. 

That’s where Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Contact our experienced New York City workplace accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332