What Are the Riskiest Occupations?

Phoenix workers comp lawyer

Did you know that, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 4,609 employees died on the job just two years ago, in 2011? Today, fatalities and injuries are less common. Even so, workers continue to suffer from 3 million work-related injuries per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These injuries range from mild to severe, and can even leave employees unable to work. What are the riskiest occupations, and what should you do if you get hurt at work?

The Most Dangerous Jobs

According to CNN Money, the top ten jobs with the most fatalities include fishermen, loggers, airplane pilots, farmers and ranchers, mining machine operators, roofers, sanitation workers, truck drivers, industrial machine repair, and police officers. Injuries, however, are not necessarily confined to these ten occupations. Some of the most common work-related injuries include back strain, and slips, trips, and falls. In fact, as many as 25,000 workers trip and fall per day, according to the National Safety Council. Construction workers and (surprisingly enough) nursing home employees may be most susceptible to these injuries.

Injured At Work? What to Do Next

Precautions, including safety measures and special training, are not infallible. Some workers are likely to sustain injuries, despite industries and OSHA’s best efforts. What should you do in the event of an injury?

  • Report injuries immediately. Waiting to report injuries, no matter what degree, is not wise. Injuries should be reported in a timely manner, and any physical evidence should be carefully documented.
  • Confer with an attorney. Unfortunately, workers compensation laws and employee rights can be particularly complicated. Schedule a consultation with workers compensation attorneys to ask important questions, and familiarize yourself with the nuances of employee laws.
  • Know what is your responsibility, and what’s not. It is actually up to your employer to closely monitor your healing process, and make important decisions about transitioning you back to work.

    Occupational injuries are inevitable, and they can also be completely devastating. Protect your rights by reporting injuries as soon as possible, and deliberating with a workers compensation attorney. Visit here for more.

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