Blogs » Legal Topics » High-Risk Occupations

High-Risk Occupations

• Posted by Coriden Glover December 3, 2018 - Filed in Legal Topics - 1,506 views

  Not all jobs are created equal, especially when it comes to safety. Certain professions, such as construction workers or oil and gas workers, are at greater risk for injuries and illness than office or retail workers. It is in the best interests of employers and employees to know the risks associated with their industry so they can avoid serious injuries.

  At Coriden Glover, we assist clients who are involved in workers’ compensation disputes, and we can tell you from experience that while workplace injuries are not always predictable, there are certain risk factors which contribute to their occurrence. First and foremost among these risk factors is the industry in which an employee works.

  The numbers on workplace injuries and fatalities provide some insight into the most dangerous occupations.

   

  What are the Most Dangerous Jobs?

  Many news organizations have published lists on jobs that have a risk for injuries and fatalities. In 2015, CBS News listed the 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States. Business Insider published a similar list in 2014. Here are just some of the jobs and statistics mentioned in those articles.

  • Construction Workers/Roofers - 20 percent of workplace fatalities in 2013 occurred in the construction sector. Roofers had a fatality rate of 38.7 per 100,000 workers, compared to the national average of 3.3 to 100,000 in 2013.

  • Animal Care Workers - Every year, there are roughly 63 fatalities and 12,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving animals.

  • Emergency Medical Technicians - Emergency medical services personnel have a fatality rate that is double the national average.

  • Firefighters - In 2013, almost 66,000 firefighters were injured on the job.

  • Heavy/Tractor Trailer Drivers - In 2012, 756 drivers lost their lives on the job, and more than 65,000 were injured.

  • Lumberjacks/Loggers - One OSHA brief called logging the most dangerous job in the country, due in large part to the extremely hazardous work conditions.

  • Correction Officers/Police Officers - Police and correction officers have a highly dangerous work environment. Close to 40 percent of correction officer injuries are due to violence on the job.

  • Oil and Gas Driller - Oil and gas extraction workers had a fatality rate seven times greater than the national average from 2003 to 2010.

  • Coal Miners - Mining machine operators had a fatality rate of 26.9 per 100,000 workers in 2013.

  • Power Line Installers - Power-line installers and repairers had a fatality rate of 21.5 per 100,000 workers in 2013.

   

  Common Workplace Injuries

  There are some common themes in the list above. Employees who work outside, in fast paced environments and with heavy equipment as part of their daily routines, are at a higher risk for injuries. These injuries are often very serious, and sometimes fatal. They include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Burns
  • Electrocutions
  • Amputations
  • Multiple fractures
  • Repetitive stress injuries.

  When an employee suffers a serious injury on the job, the result can be a complicated process of determining adequate compensation to cover the costs of an injury. The needs of the injured worker and the ability of an employer to pay the costs of a worker’s damages are often at odds with each other. This conflict of interests can lead to a lengthy back-and-forth between the two sides that strains the resources of both parties.

   

  Coriden Glover Can Help

  At Coriden Glover, we have amassed years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases. We understand that it is in our clients' best interest to have a skilled, aggressive firm to represent them in a dispute. Our experience gives our clients an advantage, and we are proud of the results we deliver. If you are involved in a legal battle stemming from a workers’ compensation dispute, contact Coriden Glover to learn how we can help you.