In America, there are many jobs that come with inherent risks. From construction work to law enforcement, accidents and injuries can happen at any time. Unfortunately, some jobs are more dangerous than others, and workers in these fields are at a higher risk of injury or even death.   Thankfully, this is not a “you chose that so live with it” situation.  The inherent danger of your chosen profession does not exclude you from receiving workers comp should you need it.  In this blog post, we will be discussing the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America and your rights to workers’ compensation.

1. Logging Workers

Logging is a dangerous job that involves cutting down trees and transporting them to sawmills. Workers in this industry face hazards such as falling trees, dangerous equipment, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. In 2019, the logging industry had a fatality rate of 59.6 per 100,000 workers, making it the most dangerous job in America. If you work in the logging industry and you are injured on the job, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Our workers comp attorneys at Utah Injury Law Firm can help you navigate this process.

2. Fishermen

Fishing can be dangerous if you spend every weekend on the lake and leave your spouse hanging, but that’s not the type of fishing we are referring to.  Commercial fishing is another dangerous job that involves working in harsh weather conditions and dealing with heavy equipment. Fishermen face risks such as drowning, falling overboard, and being struck by fishing gear. In 2019, the fatality rate for fishermen was 29.3 per 100,000 workers. If you are a fisherman and you are injured on the job, you may not be able to seek professional medical attention right away because you are out on the sea.  However, it is still important to get what medical attention you can at the time, follow up with a medical professional as soon as you can, and document everything.

3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers

Pilots and flight engineers are responsible for operating aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. This job comes with risks such as equipment failure, weather-related accidents, and pilot error. In 2019, the fatality rate for pilots and flight engineers was 58.9 per 100,000 workers. Injuries to pilots and engineers may not be top of mind to some, but they do happen and can be quite severe.  Depending on the specific company you fly with, or if you have your own company, the stakes are high that you could suffer a tremendous blow to your finances should you be injured on the job.  Working with our workers comp attorneys, you can be confident that we will work to get your medical bills paid and recover lost wages.   

4. Roofers

Roofing is a physically demanding job that involves working at heights and using dangerous tools and equipment. Workers in this industry face risks such as falls, electrocution, and exposure to hazardous materials.  Worker as a roofer in Utah, you are susceptible to slip and falls during winter due to snow and ice, and heat related injury in the hot summer months.  In 2019, the fatality rate for roofers was 51.5 per 100,000 workers.  Follow safety guidelines to keep yourself as safe as possible and know that our Utah workers comp attorneys are here to help in the unfortunate event you are injured.

5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Garbage collectors are every little boys favorite worker to watch from the living room window.  They are responsible for collecting and transporting waste and recyclable materials. This job comes with risks such as exposure to hazardous materials, traffic accidents, falls and crush injuries. In 2019, the fatality rate for refuse and recyclable material collectors was 44.3 per 100,000 workers.  Garbage collecting often moves quickly when you are working in a neighborhood, leaving you susceptible to injury.  It is also repetitive movement which can cause injury over time.  No matter the reason, should you suffer an accidental injury or a repetitive motion injury, a workers comp attorney is an essential person to have in your corner.

6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Iron and steel workers are responsible for installing and reinforcing steel structures such as buildings, bridges, and roads. If you were a steel worker in the industrial era, you would have been perched thousands of feet in the air, sitting on a steel beam without a harness.  Fortunately, worker safety has made several advances throughout the years such as harnesses and safety guidelines. Still, this job involves working at heights and using heavy equipment, dangerous tools, and in precarious conditions.  In 2019, the fatality rate for iron and steel workers was 25.1 per 100,000 workers.  If you find yourself among those that have been injured, seek medical attention right away and then call our office to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

7. Delivery Drivers

Delivery drivers are responsible for transporting goods and products to various locations.   There are several large delivery driver companies in the country that work especially hard during the holidays, thus increasing the odds that they may be injured on the job.  This job comes with risks such as traffic accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, and slips and falls. In 2019, the injury rate for delivery drivers was 28.3 per 100,000 workers. While .00028% is a low number, it is not zero, which is the only acceptable number of fatalities on the job.  However, the reality is that employees in several industries face that risk. Fortunately, our Utah workers comp attorneys are here to help you navigate your workers comp claim.  

8. Farmers and Ranchers

Farming and ranching involve a range of tasks such as operating heavy machinery, handling livestock, and working with chemicals, to say the least.  Farming and ranching has made a comeback in recent years as people seek out more self sufficiency.  This is especially true in the state of Utah, where ranchers and farmers dot the landscape from St. George to Logan. Workers in this industry face risks such as equipment accidents, livestock related injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials. In 2019, the fatality rate for farmers and ranchers was 23.2 per 100,000 workers.  Utah Injury Law Center is proud to be from a state that is home to so many ranchers and farmers that keep America fed.  Our workers comp attorneys are proud to represent them in their workers comp claim and navigate an otherwise intimidating process.

9. Grounds Maintenance Workers

Grounds maintenance workers are responsible for maintaining and landscaping outdoor areas such as parks, golf courses, and cemeteries. This job involves using heavy equipment and tools and working in various weather conditions. Workers in this industry face risks such as falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials. In 2019, the fatality rate for grounds maintenance workers was 17.4 per 100,000 workers.  Workers in this industry may also work with electricity and gas lines hidden underground, posing an increased risk of injury.  

10. Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies

Law enforcement officers are responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. This job involves working in various environments and dealing with dangerous individuals. Officers face risks such as assaults, shootings, and traffic accidents. In 2019, the fatality rate for police officers and sheriff’s deputies was 13.7 per 100,000 workers. Interacting with various members of the public in high stress situations also brings a level of stress unique to the job.  With an arguably greater risk of being injured than in any other occupation, police officers are urged to document every injury as keep that information together in one place.  Also unique to the occupation of a police officer is the Heart Lung Bill.  This bill ensures that any officer that suffers a heart attack or lung illness on the job, is covered financially by this bill.  The bill covers medical expenses and lost wages.  However, officers will still need the representation of a Utah Injury Law attorney to help them file the necessary paperwork and ensure they get all they are entitled to.   

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits may include medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability compensation. In most states, including Utah, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured on the job, it is important to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention. Your employer should provide you with information about your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.

If your employer denies your workers’ compensation claim or if you are not receiving the benefits you are entitled to, you may want to consider speaking with a Utah workers comp attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. They can also help you appeal a denied claim or negotiate a settlement with your employer.

It is important to remember that you have rights as a worker. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe work environment and to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you are injured on the job, you have the right to seek medical treatment and to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your claim is denied or if you are not receiving the benefits you are entitled to, a Utah workers comp attorney can help you fight for your rights.