Each year, thousands of people are killed in America as a result of work-related accidents or causes, and many more are seriously injured. While some professions are inherently more dangerous than others, there are hazards and potential injury risks in almost every occupation and employment field throughout Illinois, and the rest of the country. A 2013 report by Forbes rated the most hazardous occupations in the U.S. The report was based on the number of workers who were killed in different occupations annually, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the report the three most dangerous jobs in America are flight engineers and pilots, fishermen, and lumberjacks.
Flight engineers and pilots
The third most dangerous job in the country belongs equally to flight engineers and pilots. Not only are there risks of a plane crash in these occupations, but also workers are susceptible to an array of injuries from a variety of causes. These causes include turbulence, equipment or machinery malfunction, and even assault. Beyond bumps, bruises and cuts, flight engineers and pilots can suffer work-related burns, sprains and other musculoskeletal issues, fractures and concussions.
Fishermen
Previously the most hazardous job, fishermen and related workers hold the second most dangerous occupation rating in America. Workers in this field could suffer musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle sprains, as a result of lifting or pushing loads that are too large. Fishermen also commonly suffer bumps, bruises, broken bones, cuts and concussions as a result of falling, slipping, hitting or striking equipment. There is also the potential for employees in the fishing industry to become hypothermic or drown, if they fall or are knocked overboard, or the boat sinks or is capsized.
Logging workers
Workers in the logging industry are responsible for the cutting, harvesting and transportation of logs that will be processed into paper, lumber and other products. Lumberjacks’ strenuous work is often performed in harsh conditions involving environment and weather. Logging workers may fall, slip, trip or overexert themselves, resulting in injuries, including muscle strains, torn tendons or ligaments, or broken bones. Accidents involving falling objects can cause concussions or other brain injuries. Lumberjacks are also at risk for being caught or entangled in equipment, which can result in crushing injuries.
Rights of injured workers
In the state of Illinois, employees in these fields, and others, who suffer a workplace injury, may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including having their medical expenses covered and receiving disability pay. People who have been injured in a work-related accident may find it helpful to speak with their employer, and an attorney, about the claim filing process and what benefits they may be eligible for.