Hi, I am a 34y/o woman working for NYS in a psychiatric inpatient setting. I was hurt by a freak accident when a client's knee collided into my knee. I suffered a tibula plateau fracture, requiring surgery and a 6" plate and 6 screws in my leg and was out of work for 6 months on Workman's Compensation. I have since returned to work having been re-assigned into a different work location. (same employer, different setting)
I currently work on a highly volitive unit with truly psychiatrically sick individuals. I feel that I, just returning to work, (not having this work setting prior) am in a dangerous situation and request some help from anyone who agrees with me that I am in a dangerous setting, do I have rights?

Are your trained and certified to work in that unit ?

They do not have to return you to the same unit, honestly they most likely sent you there hoping you will quit, many companies mistreat people after a workers injury to get rid of them. This may not be the case that may have been the opening they had.

But they can return you to any place that your medical release and your training allows.

I'll second what Fr Chuck stated.. as long as you have the required credentials... they can make you work there.