Nearly all types of workers are exposed to a certain level of risk at the workplace.
Even seemingly safe occupations, such as retail and offices, report a certain number of work-related injuries. However, the construction and manufacturing industries report an alarmingly high rate of workplace injuries and deaths.
Work-Related Injury and Fatality Statistics
The statistics revealed by the U.S. Department of Labor paint a very grim picture. Every day, nearly 11 workers are killed in work-related accidents. Furthermore, it is estimated that 400,000 workers suffer work-related illnesses each year, and 50,000 workers die due to these illnesses.
It is the responsibility of an employer to ensure the safety of the workers and provide a safe working environment. While some workplace accidents are unavoidable, others can be prevented by taking proper safety measures. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency responsible for ensuring that all Americans have safe working conditions. OSHA has established safety standards across industries and enforces them. They also provide training and education on maintaining a safe workplace.
The Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States
- logging workers
- fishermen
- aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- roofers
- refuse and recycle waste collectors
- farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers
- structural iron and steel workers
- commercial truck drivers
- electrical powerline installers and repairers
- first-line supervisors of construction trade and extraction workers
In 2014, a total of 4,649 fatal injuries were reported. This is an increase of over 2 percent from the previous year.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A worker who gets injured at the workplace is entitled to medical and disability benefits under the workers’ compensation system. If you have been injured at the workplace and are having a hard time receiving your benefits, talk to a St. Louis work accident lawyer. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.