As a New York City Department of Sanitation worker, you’re not covered under the standard workers’ compensation system. Instead, you receive Line of Duty Injury (LODI) benefits under New York City Administrative Code § 16-108 and § 16-108.1. These laws entitle you to receive your full salary and medical treatment when you’re injured or become ill in the course of performing your duties. This includes full, limited, or light duty — any incapacity resulting from a job-related incident. Whether you’re hurt while collecting trash, plowing snow, or performing safety inspections, if it happens during your shift, LODI may apply.
LODI claims can arise from many scenarios: a fall on ice during trash pickup, being struck by a vehicle while placing cones, exposure to chemicals in a garage, or being injured by a mechanical failure in a DSNY truck. These are not unusual occurrences. Under § 16-101, “street” includes not just the road but also sidewalks, boulevards, driveways, culverts, and more — all are considered covered environments if they fall within your work zone. Even if you’re walking between vehicles or assisting another crew, as long as you’re on duty and performing a task assigned by DSNY, an injury can qualify.
If you’re injured on the job, notify your supervisor immediately. Same-shift reporting is required under DSNY policy. Your supervisor typically completes a DS 807 form (Injury Report) and provides you with a DS 807B (Medical Provider Report). The DS 807 includes your account, witness statements, and conditions at the scene. The DS 807B must be completed at the hospital or urgent care facility where you receive treatment. Both forms must be submitted to the DSNY Health Care Facility (HCF) without delay. If these are not properly completed and filed, your injury may be treated as sick leave rather than a LODI, which can cost you full salary coverage.
If you wait until after your shift to report an injury, you may lose eligibility. LODI claims are presumed invalid if not reported the same day. Delayed reports raise red flags, and unless you provide a compelling reason with documented proof, your injury may be reclassified as regular sick leave. If you’re hospitalized or unconscious, the delay can be excused, but it’s on you to follow up quickly or ask someone to report on your behalf.
Under § 16-108.1, “incapacity” includes more than being completely unable to work. It also applies if you are temporarily reassigned to limited or light duty because of your injury. As long as your condition prevents you from doing your regular job functions — lifting, loading, driving, operating machinery — and the injury was sustained during duty, you’re covered.
Besides the DS 807 and 807B, your supervisor is expected to complete an Unusual Incident Report (DS 779). This record details what led to the injury — like a broken liftgate, slippery garage surface, or pedestrian interference. This form can make or break a pension or legal claim later. If your documentation is missing witness names, dates, or specific facts, DSNY may deny the claim entirely. It’s essential to get this right the first time and keep a copy of every document you submit.
Besides the DS 807 and 807B, your supervisor is expected to complete an Unusual Incident Report (DS 779). This record details what led to the injury — like a broken liftgate, slippery garage surface, or pedestrian interference. This form can make or break a pension or legal claim later. If your documentation is missing witness names, dates, or specific facts, DSNY may deny the claim entirely. It’s essential to get this right the first time and keep a copy of every document you submit.
Once your forms are submitted, DSNY will conduct a review. If anything is missing or incomplete — like absent witness statements, incorrect date/time, or vague injury descriptions — your claim may be flagged. DSNY can pause or reject the LODI entry until it’s corrected. Your salary and medical coverage may be held up until it clears.
Just because you’re receiving full salary and benefits under LODI doesn’t mean you can’t sue for damages. Under New York law, sanitation workers can sue the City of New York, the Department of Sanitation, private property owners, manufacturers of defective equipment, or any other third party who may have caused or contributed to the injury. You are not barred by the Workers’ Compensation Law. In fact, because LODI is a civil service benefit — not a comp program — you retain your full legal rights. This includes the right to seek damages for pain and suffering, future lost wages, pension loss, and emotional distress.
If your injury was caused by municipal negligence — such as faulty street design, broken DSNY equipment, or unsafe garage conditions — you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. This is required under General Municipal Law § 50-e. Failing to file within this deadline may permanently bar you from suing. Your LODI paperwork can help support your claim, but it does not substitute for filing the actual notice.
If your injury results in permanent disability, you may qualify for retirement benefits under NYCERS. There are two types:
Sanitation workers face a wide range of dangers. LODI claims often arise from:
Each of these may seem routine in sanitation work, but they are exactly the kinds of incidents that the LODI process was designed to address.
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