Injured At Work? What Sanitation Workers In New York Should Know About Workers’ Comp

Sanitation workers are the backbone of keeping our towns and cities clean. That said, it’s not an easy job. According to the OSHA Education Center, it’s the seventh-most dangerous job in the country. From lifting heavy objects to exposure to toxic chemicals, they face numerous hazards each day. If you work in this industry, you’re probably wondering what happens if you suffer an injury on the job. This post will explain your rights as a sanitation worker and the benefits you’re eligible for.

Are Sanitation Workers Covered By NY Workers’ Comp?

Yes, sanitation workers are eligible for the state’s workers’ compensation benefits with very few exceptions. This coverage includes part-time, full-time, and union workers and operates under a no-fault system. You only need to prove that your injury happened during your work hours, not if anyone was at fault for your injuries.

What Are The Most Common Injuries For NY Sanitation Workers?

NY’s sanitation workers are in some of the riskiest professions in the country. Their day-to-day responsibilities put them at risk for many injuries and medical conditions that aren’t common in other industries. A few of the most common injuries sanitation workers could experience on the job include:

• Falling from a moving vehicle
• Repetitive stress injuries from doing the same motions without proper rest
• Being struck by an object
• Being injured by heavy machinery
• Getting into an accident with another vehicle
• Getting exposed to toxic chemicals that weren’t disposed of properly

What Benefits Are You Eligible For?

New York’s workers’ compensation system offers plenty of benefits for sanitation workers, such as:

Medical Coverage

The state offers comprehensive medical coverage for any work-related injuries. Depending on your case’s details, you could receive coverage for:

• Emergency services
• Prescription drugs
• Surgeries
• Ongoing rehabilitation
• Medical devices
• Physical therapy

However, one thing to keep in mind is that you can’t choose your doctor. You’ll need to choose a professional who’s registered with the Workers’ Compensation Board if you want your medical costs to be reimbursed.

Lost Wages

Injured sanitation workers will get a weekly cash benefit to cover a portion of their wages until they’ve fully recovered. You could receive up to two-thirds of your salary, depending on the level of disability you have and how much you earned in the last year before your injury. However, you won’t receive more than the maximum payout threshold. The highest amount you could receive from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, is $1,222.42.

Survivor Benefits

In case you pass away from your injuries, the state’s system could offer death benefits to your:

• Spouse
• Children
• Dependent siblings
• Dependent grandparents or parents
• Dependent grandchildren

If you didn’t have a spouse, children, or dependent family members, non-dependent parents, or the person’s estate could receive a payment of up to $50,000. The state will also cover up to $12,500 in funeral expenses.

How A Professional Lawyer Can Help

Are you a sanitation worker who recently suffered an injury at work? Our New York workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you. For decades, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers file their paperwork and get the compensation they deserve. If you have any questions or want to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at 855-338-1207 today.