People work in different industries, from the agricultural sector to the leisure and hospitality industries. While some jobs carry a lower risk of injury, others, such as construction, are much more dangerous.
Often, the riskiest workplaces deal with machinery and hazardous chemicals, such as transportation or manufacturing. While all employers and employees must ensure workplace safety, those in high-risk industries must be extra careful of their safety practices.
Industries With the Highest Risk of Workplace Injuries
Here are industries with the highest risk of workplace injuries and what you can do if you have been injured at your job.
Transportation and Material Moving
The transportation and material moving industry is by far the most dangerous field to work in. In fact, it has the highest incidence rate of workplace injuries in the country. In 2018 alone, about 184,000 people were injured in this sector. This represents 20 percent of all non-fatal workplace injuries in the US.
Truck drivers, bus operators, railroad conductors, and taxi drivers are among the most at-risk professions in this industry. They frequently sustain injuries due to collisions with other vehicles or falling off their moving vehicles.
Employers must take every necessary precaution to ensure workers’ safety in the transportation and material moving sector. This includes providing proper training and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector includes everything from automobile and textile production to food processing. While it employs millions of workers across the country, the sector remains the second most dangerous industry, causing about 98,000 non-fatal injuries in 2018.
The reason behind the high rate of injuries in the manufacturing field is the presence of heavy machinery and repetitive tasks that can cause severe injuries to the workers. Additionally, employees are often exposed to harmful chemicals, resulting in severe illnesses like cancer.
Construction
Construction is one of the largest sectors in the United States. It includes many professions, such as carpentry, masonry, drywall installation, roofing, and more.
Unfortunately, construction workers are often at a higher risk of sustaining work-related injuries than other occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over one out of five workplace fatalities in 2020 were construction related.
Common hazards in the construction sector include falls from heights, trench collapses, and exposure to toxic chemicals. If you work in this industry, you should always wear protective gear and follow safety protocols to minimize the risk of getting hurt on the job.
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Installation, maintenance, and repair (IMR) is a broad field that encompasses various professions, including plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and general repair work. Employees in the IMR sector often work at high elevations while handling heavy tools and equipment.
The dangerous working conditions make workers in the IMR field prone to falls, burns, electrocutions, and other injuries. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of getting injured at work by wearing the right safety gear and ensuring all equipment is properly inspected and maintained.
How to Get Compensation if You’re Injured at Work
Workplace injuries can be painful and expensive to deal with. Luckily, if you have suffered an injury while on duty, you may be entitled to compensation, regardless of fault.
However, filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated, especially if you are unfamiliar with the laws and procedures governing workers’ compensation claims in your state. The best thing to do is to hire a local lawyer with experience in labor laws in your state.
For instance, if you live in San Antonio, Texas, you should schedule a free consultation with local workers’ compensation lawyers such as those from Wyatt Law Firm. The good thing about local lawyers is that they understand local procedures and are familiar with the judicial staff.
Conclusion
Occupational hazards aren’t limited to specific industries. However, certain jobs carry significantly higher risks than others. To stay safe in high-risk occupations, you should follow proper safety procedures and wear the appropriate protective gear. Utilize a safety program like EcoOnline to easily monitor site’s safety.
Most importantly, if you have been injured on the job, consult an attorney to understand your rights and options before pursuing your claim against your employer.
