Farming, transportation, and construction are some of the most essential industries around the world. Several big corporations are part of those industries, employing millions of people across America alone. However, as much as these industries are profitable, they’re also highly dangerous for their workers.
5,250 worker deaths were recorded in 2018, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That same year, the rate of fatal work injuries was at 3.5 per 100,000 workers, with the most common deaths occurring in the transportation industry. It accumulated 2,000 work-related deaths, which made up nearly 40% of all work-related fatalities.
For business-owners about to venture in risky industries, here are the 10 most dangerous jobs you need to know about to ensure the safety of your workers and workplaces:
10. Landscape First-line Supervisors, Lawn Service, and Grounds-keeping Workers
The BLS data from 2018 revealed that there were 142 fatal injuries among these workers, while 1,990 were non-fatal.
9. Construction First-line Supervisors and Extraction Workers
144 fatal injuries among construction workers were shown in the BLS data, while non-fatal injuries were at 5,390.
8. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
The total number of fatal and non-fatal injuries among structural iron and steel workers were relatively lower – only 15 and 800, respectively.
7. Farmers, Ranchers, and other Agricultural Workers
257 total fatal injuries were recorded, while there were 280 non-fatal ones — a close gap between the two categories.
6. Truck Drivers
The figures on truck drivers were significantly higher, with 966 fatal injuries, and a whopping 78,520 non-fatal accidents.
5. Refuse and Recyclables Collectors
37 deadly injuries among refuse and recyclables collectors were recorded, while non-fatal injuries were at 1,490.
4. Roofers
96 roofers suffered fatal injuries in 2018, while those who experienced non-fatal ones are considerably higher. (2,060)
3. Aircraft Pilots and Engineers
Fatal injuries among these workers have — as you would’ve expected — occurred from plane crashes. They aren’t very common, though, with only 70 fatalities and 490 non-fatal injuries recorded.
2. Fishers
The BLS data didn’t show any figures for non-fatal injuries among fishermen, but they recorded 30 fatal ones.
1. Logging Workers
The total number of deadly injuries among these workers is only 97, but it landed on the number one spot because logging workers are fewer than all the workers mentioned. There are only 53,600 of them according to the BLS data, whereas there were over 100,000 of the other workers.
Ensuring Worker Safety
With the prevalence of fatal injuries in the workplace, safety precautions and training are extremely crucial. As a business owner, you must identify every safety hazard in your workplace, such as fall hazards, road hazards, equipment-related hazards, and so on.
Roofers and construction workers must be required to wear personal protective equipment. (PPE) Meanwhile, workers who’ll drive on the job must be given thorough training, even if they are experienced. Employers must also ensure that applicants possess the qualifications, such as the necessary licenses, training hours, and experience.
And since truck driving has the most injuries recorded, here are some additional safety tips for drivers:
- Always wear your seatbelt properly while driving.
- Don’t be distracted; keep away your phone.
- Follow traffic rules. Be observant of speed limits, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Have a safe space cushion around all sides of the vehicle.
- Maintain a proper stopping distance.
- Avoid driving on harsh weather.
- Eat healthy and get adequate rest before and after driving.
- Plan your trip. A systemized journey is likely to be safer than an unorganized one.
If you’re a truck driver or any other worker who sustained injuries while on the job, your company should be held liable. Experienced truck driver attorneys and other labor lawyers will help you know your rights, which is advantageous as you file for claims.
Business owners must be consistent in monitoring the safety of their workplaces. Lawsuits are costly, not to mention damaging to your reputation; hence, ascertain that your training is adequate and effective to avoid unfortunate incidents.
