Workers compensation is paid to workers across all career fields if they get injured on the job— through no fault of their own. Here are 10 professions that see the highest number of workers compensation claims.
#1: Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers
When it comes to the airline industry, many people assume that the most common injuries would be related to plane crashes or something along those lines. The reality is that this industry sees more head injuries (13%), internal injuries (11%), and burns (4%)— that aren’t necessarily related to crashes. Above them all, slips and falls are the most common injuries for both airline pilots and engineers. Hearing loss and cancer are also seen among airline workers of all types, including flight attendants.
#2: Electricians
It comes at no surprise that electricity-related injuries are fairly common in this profession— however, because this is expected and electricians practice extra caution, this isn’t the most common injury.
Once again, slips, trips, and falls (usually because of electrical cords laying around) are the most common work injury for electricians. Electrical workers are also exposed to asbestos, can receive flash burns from electrical explosions, and can develop carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions.
#3: Farmers and Logging Workers
Farmers and logging workers (forestry) may have the ideal career in the eyes of some people, as they get to spend the majority of their time in nature. While nature itself can be a dangerous place at times, the real danger lies at the hands of the heavy machinery these workers use on a day-to-day basis. Both farmers and loggers have the risk of getting hurt directly by heavy machinery or as a result of the machinery (i.e., falling trees).
#4: Iron and Steel Workers
Iron and steel workers have some of the most dangerous jobs, so it comes as no surprise that they’re on this list. Some of their most common injuries include broken bones and fractures, impalement, strains, electrocution, and even amputations from sharp objects. They are trained and provided PPE (personal protective equipment) to help minimize these injuries, but unfortunately, some still happen.
#5: Landscapers
Landscaping is a career path that doesn’t seem to lead to filing a workers compensation claim at first, but this job actually presents more hazards than many people may be aware of. Once again, slips and falls are the most common injury in this career field, but some of the other common injuries include cuts and bruises, electrical and chemical burns, damage to hearing, heat strokes/frostbite, strains, and even cancers related to exposure to certain chemicals.
#6: Material Waste Collectors
Also known as garbage collection, this job seems pretty straightforward, but many hazards exist on the job. The most common injuries include slips/trips/falls, cuts and lacerations, and strains. However, some of the “hidden” hazards include exposure to:
- Hazardous materials (e.g., bleach, batteries, gasoline, kerosine, etc.)
- Inclement weather
- Needles, syringes, EpiPens, etc.
Material waste collectors are also at risk for being hit by cars and other vehicles.
#7: Nurses
Nursing and the healthcare industry, in general, don’t often come up when discussing hazardous workplaces, but there are actually many hazards in this industry. Nurses in particular are at a higher risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries (strains and overextension), cuts and punctures that lead to blood-borne pathogens, and hazardous drug exposure.
#8: Roofers and Construction Workers
Roofers and construction workers have some of the most dangerous jobs, and this is mainly due to the work environment— which involves working from a height. Working from a height puts workers at a risk from falling from a height, which can lead to serious injuries and even death. There’s also the risk of being struck by an object that falls from a height, which becomes even more dangerous.
#9: Sales Associates
Sales associates, whether they’re working at a clothing, beauty, or grocery store may not seem like they have a dangerous job. Compared to construction workers they’re much safer, but it doesn’t mean that their workplace is free of hazards. In fact, retail has the highest risk of nonfatal injuries, including slips and falls and stains from overextension.
#10: Truck Drivers
Traffic accidents aren’t often associated with workers compensation claims (they’re usually associated with personal injury), but for truck drivers, driving is their workplace. Driving for long periods results in driver fatigue, which then can result in both fatal and nonfatal traffic accidents. Truck drivers are also required to lift heavy objects from time to time, so they’re also at risk for strains, slips, trips, and falls.
Final Note
As you can see, slips and falls are the most common workplace accidents across all career fields. Because these and many other workplace accidents can be prevented, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer that specializes in workers compensation to ensure that you receive all of your compensation benefits.
