Injury statistics can help expose some of the risks that workers face on the job. One concrete way to look at the risks posed to these workers is to consider fatal on-the-job accidents. This can help identify some of the more dangerous industries that they may be involved in.
People will often first point to the total number of fatal accidents in an industry. But it is important to remember that the injury rate can actually be more telling. Large industries are naturally going to have more accidents every year simply because there are more employees who run the risk of being injured. But a smaller industry that has a higher injury rate theoretically poses a greater risk to employees.
Agriculture and outdoor occupations
In this light, agriculture is one of the more dangerous occupations. Workers are outside, where they could be exposed to inclement weather, high temperatures and other environmental risks. They may also have to use certain types of machinery, such as conveyor belts or heavy equipment, which pose an injury risk.
Other outdoor occupations are similar. Deep-sea fishing is often referenced as one of the more dangerous jobs a person can have. Not only is it physical labor at sea, but it is also very remote. Injuries that happen on a ship that is hours from shore cannot be treated immediately at a hospital, so the job becomes more dangerous.
Similarly, logging is necessary, but it carries inherent injury risks. Employees have to work with power tools, chainsaws, forklifts and other types of heavy equipment. Once again, they are also at remote locations. There are naturally inherent risks if workers are struck by falling branches or trees, even when using proper safety equipment.
Seeking workers’ comp benefits
Understanding the dangers posed by these industries is important and can help people work safely. But accidents do happen, and injured parties need to know how to seek workers’ comp benefits when necessary.
