According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, serving as a sanitation worker is the fifth most dangerous job in America. It, therefore, makes sense that New York State Retirement Law provides New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) workers generous disability benefits.

A Most Dangerous Profession

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the workers with the five most dangerous jobs in the country are:

1. Loggers
2. Fishers
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
4. Roofers
5. Refuse and recyclable materials collectors

Sanitation workers know all about their on-the-job risks, but for others who don’t, the BLS says:

“These workers spend much of their day with a team, driving or riding on a truck to collect materials, increasing the risk of a transportation-related accident. They work in both the public and private sector, depending on location, and must work year-round regardless of the weather or conditions.”

The BLS also released the following data on work-related injuries for sanitation workers:

• Fatal injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers: 44.3
• Total fatal injuries: 37
• Most common fatal accidents: Transportation incidents
• Total non-fatal injuries: 1,490
• Median annual wage: $36,190
• Number of workers: 115,130

A Safety Net For Sanitation Workers

While the general public may not appreciate how risky being a sanitation worker is, policymakers do. Information from the BLS is one of the resources lawmakers have tapped into to shape New York’s labor laws and craft policies on disability benefits.

The New York State Retirement Law provides that DSNY workers are entitled to a lifetime disability pension benefit should they be injured during the performance of their duties and become unable to work. Workers can also tap into short-term disability benefits to help them get back on the job or switch professions after an on-the-job injury.

However, just because sanitation workers are entitled to these benefits does not mean they have an easy time claiming them. In an attempt to cut costs and prevent corruption, New York keeps making it harder for DSNY employees and other civil servants to claim the benefits they deserve.

At the Seelig Law Group, we help DSNY workers navigate the disability benefits system and pension system to maximize the amount of money they can receive. We work with our clients to get the paperwork documenting their injuries and their work history in order. This smooths the claims process, reduces the risk of a denial, and sets the foundation for an appeal if a claim is denied.

Letting our experienced attorneys handle the mountain of paperwork required to claim the benefits you deserve allows you to focus on healing or spending time with your family.

When Winning Matters Most

At the Seelig Law Group, we fight to get sanitation workers and other civil service employees the pension and disability benefits they were promised. If you have been injured on the job, we can assist you with the initial application for benefits, or appeal a denial or other unfavorable outcome. Don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of service.