Most Dangerous Jobs in the U.S. According to OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) keeps track of all work-related accidents across the country. They are responsible for implementing safety rules and regulations to reduce the number of on-the-job injuries workers suffer. 

Below, we have included information regarding some of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., according to OSHA. Here is more about what to expect if you work in one of these industries and how to recover compensation for your damages

Logging Workers

The logging industry is responsible for cutting down trees through the use of heavy machinery. These trees are then used to create cardboard, lumber, and paper materials. The use of this heavy machinery is what makes it one of the most dangerous work environments. 

However, lumberjacks and loggers also come in contact with dangerous objects on a regular basis. Mechanical and machinery defects, improper training, and lack of supervision are just a few causes of logging accident injuries.

Roofers

Roofers also work in one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Often, roofer accidents occur when workers fall off the roof they are working on. However, fatal injuries can occur when ladders or other equipment is improperly used.

Fishing and Hunting Workers

Hunters and fishermen are more likely to suffer on-the-job injuries since they often work around and with heavy machinery. In fact, this machinery is crucial to place traps and reeling in commercial-size loads of fish. 

Another common reason for hunting and fishing accidents is drowning. Hunters have also suffered work injuries due to defective machinery and equipment.

Construction Workers

The construction industry is well known for its dangerous work environment. Construction accidents can take many forms. Some examples could include the following:

• Machinery accidents
• Ground or trench collapses
• Explosions and fires
• Electrocution
• Scaffold accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Crane accidents

Construction accident injuries often occur due to insufficient supervision, inadequate materials or equipment, and improper training.

Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

Flight engineers and aircraft pilots are more likely to suffer injuries than other workers. Transportation accidents are far more common than people realize, even though commercial airlines have a reputation for being safe. This is, in part, because the majority of on-the-job aircraft and flight accidents occur on private helicopters and planes. 

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Individuals who work with steel and structural iron are more susceptible to debilitating injuries when involved in a work-related accident. Some examples of ways these injuries occur include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Ladder accidents
• Improper training
• Trouble loading or unloading steel
• Forklift accidents
• Incidents involving heavy machinery
• Failure to properly supervise workers
• Equipment defects or malfunctions

Delivery and Truck Drivers

Delivery and truck drivers are at an increased risk of severe injuries since the majority of their work involves operating a motor vehicle. Auto wrecks continue to be a significant issue across the country, whether one drives an 18-wheeler or a smaller truck to do small-scale deliveries. A wide range of factors contribute to truck driver injuries, including:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Failure to stop
• Parts defects
• Dangerous roads
• Drunk Driving

Refuse Waste and Recyclable Material Collectors

Workers that collect refuse waste and recyclable materials work in a particularly dangerous environment. Not only is heavy machinery used to gather these materials, but workers will need to risk themselves by stopping in the middle of traffic to collect garbage. However, recyclable materials and waste collectors can also suffer from slip and fall accidents and crushing injuries due to inadequate training.

Farmers and Agricultural Workers

One of the top reasons the agricultural industry is so dangerous is that farmers and agricultural workers must use heavy machinery and equipment regularly. These types of machinery, including tractors, cultivators, and plows, are known for causing severe work injuries. It is not unusual for agricultural and farmworkers to be crushed when tractors or other equipment overturn, suffer injuries in a collision, or become ill due to exposure to toxic chemicals.

Underground Mining Machine Operators

Underground mining machine operators are at a significantly increased risk for severe injuries and deaths. Their use of heavy machinery is one of the top reasons for this risk. However, the equipment used to mine underground is also inherently dangerous. 

Machinery and transportation collisions, lack of sufficient training, and defective equipment are just a few reasons for underground mining machine operator accidents.

Other Dangerous Jobs 

In addition to the previously mentioned professions, other industries are also dangerous for workers. These include:

• Firefighters
• Paramedics and EMTs
• Loggers and lumberjacks
• Ironworkers
• Educators
• Healthcare workers
• Warehouse workers
• Utility workers
• Government workers
• Retail and hospitality

How to Recover Compensation After a Work Injury

If you have been injured in any of the previously mentioned work accidents, or another type of on-the-job injury, you have the right to benefits and restitution. Georgia law requires employers with more than three employees to provide their staff with worker’s compensation protection coverage. 

You might have the right to workers’ comp benefits if you meet the state’s eligibility requirements. However, you might also be able to file a third-party liability claim against those responsible for causing your injuries. 

This way, you are not limited to the benefits provided by workers comp alone. You can contact a work injury attorney at our firm to learn more about your legal options and how to recover the financial support you need to get through these challenging times.

Get Help from a Work Injury Lawyer at John Foy & Associates Today

Work-related accidents and incidents are often preventable. If you have been critically injured on the job and someone else is responsible, you may have the right to financial compensation for your damages. 

Learn more about how the work injury claims process works and the value of your claim. Contact an experienced work injury attorney at John Foy & Associates for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You can fill out our online contact form or call our office to start working on your case as soon as today.