An occupational injury can happen working in any profession – but some jobs are more dangerous than others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 3.6 million people were unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness or related reasons in January of 2022 alone. In addition, 4.2 million full-time employees had to work part-time for the same reasons, and 7.8 million had to miss work altogether – that’s more than double the statistics from 2021.

The BLS, Statista, and Zippia released reports revealing the most dangerous occupations, and information that can help keep employees safe on the job. Let’s dive in.

Construction 

The most workplace accidents for those in the construction industry are slip and falls and being struck by falling objects causing fractures, sprains, strains, head trauma, and more. According to the BLS, about 150,000 construction workers are injured on the job every year.

Fishing & Hunting

This occupation has a fatality rate of 132.1 per every 100,000 employees. The most common personal injuries sustained in this field are shoulder and back injuries, and penetrating wounds to the hands and fingers. In 2020, there were a total of 45,900 occupational illnesses and injuries reported.

Transportation

Truckers, delivery drivers, and other employees who drive for a living have a high risk of suffering a traffic accidentinjury on the job. In fact, 193,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in this line of work in 2020 alone.

Stay Safe

Sometimes, a workplace injury is unavoidable. Reduce your risk of getting hurt at work by following these safety guidelines.

  • Always wear the necessary safety gear such as helmets, gloves, masks, and safety goggles for dangerous tasks.
  • Follow workplace procedures at all times, but especially when handling heavy duty equipment.
  • Keep your workstation tidy and sanitary.
  • Wear the proper footwear for your profession with good traction and support.

 

Lawyer Up

Getting treatment for even a simple fracture can cost thousands of dollars, and require weeks to months of time off work to recover. In the state of Missouri, all employers who have five or more employees are legally obligated to have workers’ compensation insurance for this reason in the event of a workplace injury. If you get hurt at work, inform your supervisorimmediately and contact an attorney to assist you with the following.

  • Insurers should have your best interest at heart, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Your workers’ compensation lawyer will ensure that you don’t get a lowball settlement.
  • Your attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove the cost and severity of your personal injury, as well as proving that the injury was sustained at work.
  • Employers are not allowed to demote, fire, or transfer you for filing for workers’ compensation. A personal injury attorney will protect you from illegal employer retaliation.
  • If your injury has caused a temporary or permanent disability, your lawyer can calculate the total value of compensation you need from your settlement. This includes current and future costs of treatment, lost wages, and other personal injury related expenses.
  • If the insurance company is haselling you, all you have to do is refer them to your workers’s compensation attorney, who will handle all communications so you don’t have to.
  • Your attorney will fight for the settlement you need, and if necessary, file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve suffered a personal injury at work, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation where you’ll receive free legal advice from an experienced Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer near you.