Industries With High Risks of Injuries

Were you aware that employees file approximately 4.9 million workers' compensation claims annually? This is because accidents are common in most workplaces. Yet, certain industries have a greater risk of accidents occurring, and our article will discuss these high-risk workplaces. 

We're also going to look at the type of industries workers incur in these high-risk working environments. Additionally, if you have been injured recently as a high-risk industry worker, you can file a workers' compensation claim to seek compensation for your injuries. 

Working with a skilled workers’ comp attorney from the Law Office of Richard F. Mathews Jr. will ensure you have an improved chance of obtaining compensation. 

What Are The Four Industries With High Risks Of Injuries? 

There are primarily four industries with a high risk of injuries in the United States and globally. We have discussed these industries below. Should you work in any of these industries and have sustained injuries, you can speak with us at our firm for guidance about what to do next. 

Construction

Unsurprisingly the construction industry, one of the largest industries, experiences high injury rates annually. Employers within this industry must keep workers safe by ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols, but this is not always the case. As such, safety violations are considered one of the primary causes of accidents in the construction industry. 

Some common accidents in the construction industry include being caught between objects, falls, and electrocutions. A few of the other common injuries in the construction industry include the following:

• Ruptured disc/Back Injuries: Due to the nature of construction in which workers are lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy construction materials and doing laborious jobs, an injury to a worker’s back can be devastating to their ability to earn a living after a work related injury.
• Torn ligaments: Many times a worker will hear a popping noise when injured either in a knee, shoulder or in their back. This may mean a disc has ruptured, or a tendon or ligament has torn and these types of injuries can require surgery. Shoulder or knee surgeries can cause a person to have lasting physical limitations that may not allow a worker to return to the job they were doing, especially in the construction field. These injuries can have lasting effects and you have rights to the compensation under the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act
• Broken bones: Since construction work is a laborious field, many workers are exposed to dangerous situations that lead to broken bones. Many suffer from broken legs, arms, wrists, and fingers. 
• COPD: It's been proven that roofers have a much higher chance of developing COPD because of past asbestos exposure.
• Work-related illnesses: Besides physical injuries, workers can suffer from occupational asthma, industrial dermatitis, and HAVS. Welders and painters are at a particularly high risk of developing occupational asthma because of their exposure to airborne particles. 

Agriculture

According to the NSC, the agriculture industry is one of the riskiest. This is because those working in this industry are exposed to dangers that many others are not. For example, those working in the agriculture industry have to work among large machines and equipment. Many employees also have to handle harmful chemicals that could lead to injuries. 

Its also been determined that agricultural workers are more prone to injury than workers in certain other industries. Moreover, approximately 4.8 out of every 100 agricultural workers are injured while completing a work-related duty. 

The common agriculture industry injuries include heavy machinery accidents, livestock accidents, and vehicle accidents with quad bikes and tractors. Many agricultural workers suffer lacerations, crushing injuries, TBIs, chemical exposure burns, broken bones, muscle strains, and more. 

Mining

Another incredibly risky industry for injuries is mining. Thousands of mine workers are injured yearly, with numerous fatalities occurring because of cave-ins and explosive accidents. Miners often sustain severe injuries that can leave them with lifelong consequences. 

For example, many miners endure coal dust inhalation that can lead to respiratory illnesses. Other miners suffer from temporary or permanent hearing loss thanks to loud noises, blasting, and machinery. Additionally, some miners face chemical hazards that can lead to severe burns.

Healthcare

Arguably, the industry with the most injuries in healthcare. Its believed that approximately 8.3 out of every 100 healthcare workers are injured while completing their work duties. 

Many doctors and healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring the safety of their patients, and this, unfortunately, often means pushing their safety concerns for themselves to the wayside. This is why many healthcare workers suffer from slips and falls, violent patient attacks, disease contraction, needlestick injuries, and stress. 

Additionally, nurses, in particular, are most at risk of injury because their job involves hand on patient care daily. As such, nurses often suffer from cuts, sprains, broken bones, exhaustion, fatigue, stress, and various musculoskeletal conditions. 

Get In Touch With A Montgomery Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today To Discuss Your Case

If you have suffered an injury at your workplace, you should consider speaking with a Montgomery workers’ compensation attorney. The Law Office of Richard F. Mathews, Jr. is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to better your chances of filing a successful worker's compensation claim. So get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation.