Working is a necessary evil; we all have to do it at some point. And complain as you may about your job, but if you are employed in some of the country’s most dangerous occupations, you put yourself at risk every time you clock in. Let’s look at some of the most dangerous jobs in our country, based on the number of fatalities experienced by workers in 2016.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled data from 2016 to arrive at the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. The BLS got its figures by measuring the number of fatalities per 100,000 workers employed in each particular field. Earning a living can cost you in a big way if you work in these risky jobs:
- Grounds maintenance workers
- Construction worker supervisors
- Farmers, ranchers and agriculture managers
- Truck drivers and other drivers
- Structural iron and steel workers
- Refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Roofers
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Fishermen and related fishing workers
- Logging workers
Of these, logging workers had the single largest fatality rate, with 135.9 workers per 100,000 killed on the job. Roofers were also at high risk of death on the job with 48 workers killed per 100,000.
Injured at work? Workplace injuries number into the millions across the country each year, and workers compensation insurance covers many American workers. If you’re among those who find themselves injured on the job, the steps you take immediately afterward are critical to the outcome of any claim that follows. Be sure to:
- Obtain any necessary first aid or medical treatment immediately. Don’t delay seeing a doctor for your condition, and the sooner the better. Some injuries are made worse by a delay in treatment.
- Let your supervisor know that you’re hurt. Workers compensation requires that you let your employer know about your injury within 30 days of becoming injured. It is important to tell your boss about the injury ASAP to preserve your right to file a personal injury or workers comp claim.
- Fill out any paperwork required by your employer and workers comp on time. You may feel more comfortable asking your attorney to help you with this step.
- Follow any instructions from your doctor to ensure a speedy recovery.
- Attend any workers comp appointments, such as required medical exams or hearings.
- Return to work only when your doctor says that it is safe to do so.
While many workers receive compensation for their injuries from workers comp, there are some instances where the injured worker can sue for damages outside of workers compensation coverage. For example, if a defective product or toxic substance causes your injuries, then you may be able to bring a liability action against the manufacturer or the product or substance. Likewise, if your employer does not carry workers compensation coverage, then you may be able to sue your employer to recoup your workplace injury losses, including medical bills, lost wages and more.
Discuss your particular situation with our workers compensation attorney in Kansas City today. Schedule your no-obligation, no-cost case review now.