Public transportation drivers have an especially important role to play in society- they are entrusted with delivering thousands of people every day safely to their destinations. In fact, in 2013, Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transportation and half (5.4 billion) of those trips were rides in a bus. Therefore, when a bus driver suffers from an injury or illness, there is a trickle down effect. A recent survey was published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reflecting the kinds of hazards bus drivers face on a daily basis. Due to the nature of their employment, bus drivers spend a great deal of time on the road and as a result, 42% of work related injuries in 2013 were related to transportation incidents. However, these incidents were second to physical overexertion in 2012, which accounted for 34% of cases. In 2013, overexertion constituted 22%.
In addition to vehicle accidents and bodily reactions, bus drivers also are exposed to the elements of nature as a condition of their job, and thus, slips and falls accounted for 14% of injuries in 2013- a decrease from 20% in 2011. The remainder 35% of accidents faced by bus drivers in 2013 fell into the categories of contact with objects/equipment, violence by people or animals, and exposure to harmful substances.
Bus drivers can often face long hours, and both physically and mentally stressful conditions. To be entrusted with the safety of so many passengers each day is a very serious undertaking. If you are a bus driver, or a loved one is, who has been injured while on duty, contact an experienced attorney who can assist you with your Worker’s Compensation claim. The attorneys at McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson & Riordan, LLP have experience representing clients before Workers’ Compensation boards throughout New York City and Long Island, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. For a consultation, call (866)557-7500.
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