It would be unlikely that any work environment comes with no risks of injuries. All workers could suffer harm as accidents, illnesses, mishaps, and cumulative strain may catch up with them. That said, someone working in a New Jersey office setting would not be likely to face the same dangers as a person who deals with hazardous chemicals. Ultimately, some jobs are more dangerous than others.
Dangerous occupations and frequent workplace injuries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that 2020 saw 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries, a slight decline from 2019 figures. A review of the data suggests that 40% of all injuries occur in 38.3% of occupations. Construction workers and tractor-trailer drivers might rank high among people’s perceptions about the most dangerous professions, but the number-one most injurious job might prove shocking. Nursing assistants face the highest risk.
Perhaps the high injury rates faced by nursing and health care professionals should come as a surprise. Nursing assistants face slip-and-fall risks, sprains from heavy lifting, assaults from violent patients, and more. And yes, some injuries could be minor ones, and they factor into the overall statistics.
Dangerous jobs and missed work
Laborers, nurses, drivers, retail professionals, and others may find even a few days off from work comes with troubling financial consequences. Some may feel great stress working a job where they know the injury rates are high. While no one wants to deal with injuries and their financial consequences, a workers’ compensation claim could help the situation.
Employees could seek workers’ compensation benefits when injured on the job. and negligence doesn’t need to be a basis for a claim. In some instances, a worker could file a claim and sue a non-employer third party that was responsible for the incident. Regardless, victims must file the claim properly and in a timely manner to increase the chances of a desirable outcome.