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The most dangerous occupations by workplace fatalities

On Behalf of | Aug 20, 2020 | Workplace Injuries |

Earning a living should not have to mean putting yourself in harm’s way. However, some of the most dangerous jobs are also the most necessary. Life in Ohio would certainly look a lot different without people like you in construction, farming and other industries. Unfortunately, workers in these professions are among the most likely to suffer injuries and workplace fatalities.

In 2018 alone, 5,250 people died in work related accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this comes out to 3.5 fatal work injuries for every 100,000 workers. Transportation, falling objects and dangerous equipment were some of the most common causes of workplace death.

Driving can be dangerous

You probably already know that truck drivers face on-the-road risks every time they get behind the wheel. Data from the BLS shows that the trucking industry had the most deaths in 2018. That year, work related injuries killed 966 truck drivers. The trucking industry still only ranks as the sixth most dangerous though. Its rate for fatal injuries for every 100,000 full time workers was 26, which is lower than others.

While you might be inclined to think that driving is only dangerous for long haul truckers, you would be mistaken. Driving between multiple work sites a day is the reason that the BLS listed landscaping as the tenth most dangerous industry. Landscapers and lawn care workers are far more likely to get hurt in a car accident between job sites then they are while operating equipment.

You should be worried about falls

No matter your position, working in the construction industry puts you at risk for serious harm — but some men and women face a higher risk than others. For example, working as a roofer is the fourth most dangerous occupation. These men and women spend the majority of their working time at elevated heights and are more likely to encounter dangerous falls, trips and slips. The BLS says that for every 100,000 full time roofers in 2018, 51.5 died.

Someone working in the most dangerous occupation might not be worried so much about falling, though. Loggers — the most dangerous occupation in America — are far more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in accidents involving falling objects or through accidental contact with equipment. Nearly 100 out of every 100,000 full time loggers died of a work injury in 2018.

Risks are everywhere

Accidents can happen anywhere, any time. It does not matter whether your industry is listed as one of the most dangerous or as a relatively safe occupation, you could still show up to work happy and healthy one day and end up fighting for your life the next. Maybe you have even already experienced this or watched a loved one struggle for his or her life following a workplace accident.

You may feel lucky to have survived your injuries considering that you work in a field with a high rate of workplace fatalities. Unfortunately, you still have an uphill battle toward recovery. Workers’ compensation benefits can be a bridge between where you are now and where you hope to be in the future. Securing those benefits can be difficult though. If you need help securing benefits for things like lost wages and medical bills, be sure to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.