Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 4,821 workers were killed due to work-related accidents and illnesses in 2014. That is the equivalent to 13 deaths per day. Latino and Hispanic workers accounted for a disproportionately large number of those fatalities, with 804 on-the-job deaths. It is common knowledge that construction jobs are among the most dangerous in the country. But what other occupations carry a risk of serious injury and death? Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today.
The “Fatal Four” of Construction Jobs
About one-fifth of all worker deaths occur in the construction industry. Within these occupations, the top causes of death are falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and getting caught in or between an object, in that order. These four types of construction-related fatalities are ominously known as the “Fatal Four”. With so much construction in Boston and throughout Massachusetts it the number of work related accidents is higher here than in many other states.
Beyond Construction
Although construction workers account for the largest portion of on-the-job fatalities, other industries are actually more dangerous. Fishing and logging, for example, are associated with an extraordinarily high rate of death. .
Deadliest Occupations
Below is a list of the most dangerous occupations, in order of their risk of death.
- Logging
- Mining
- Iron and Steel Workers
- Roofers
- Garbage Collectors
- Farmers
- Ranchers
- Truck Drivers
- Construction Laborers
- Police Officers
Logging is particularly dangerous because it involves spending long days outside, sometimes in extreme weather, working with heavy machinery and falling trees, often at high altitudes. More than half of all logging injuries are the result of being struck by an object. Along with logging, many other jobs on the dangerous list, including mining, farming, and working with steel and iron, share many risks associated with construction – long hours spent outdoors, and working in close proximity with heavy machinery.
Law enforcement occupations and airline pilots also carry a higher-than-average risk of fatality, but not because of heavy machinery. Police officers have an increased risk of injury due to violent acts. Transportation accidents, including crashes, are a leading cause of fatality for airline pilots. The risk of being seriously injured or killed in a work-related accident is decreased dramatically by taking proper precautions before reporting to work every day. Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment, appropriate safety gear and tools, and adequate training.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, the skilled workers’ comp team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Although most on-the-job injuries and illnesses are covered by workers’ comp, mistakes on the application can cause lengthy delays, and may even result in reduced benefits. With the help of a knowledgeable attorney, you can receive the full benefits you deserve in a timely manner. In addition, if negligence was involved in your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
