Everyone expects jobs like police work and firefighting to be dangerous, but you might be surprised that they are not considered among the top five, or even top ten, most dangerous professions in the U.S. That is because these professions have safety measures in place that help minmize risk.
So, what common California occupations make the list of most dangerous occupations? Here are five we found interesting.
Loggers work in isolated areas, use heavy equipment and often travel great distances on the road. This leads to the highest amount of fatalities in any occupation. The nature of the job puts loggers in danger of falling trees and branches. In addition, the terrain they work on is often uneven, subject to weather-related dangers such as mudslides, and the remote areas make medical help difficult to reach quickly.
The construction industry has more workplace deaths than any other. The most dangerous construction professions? Those that involve power tools, heavy materials, electricity and the possibility of falls. Falls account for the majority of construction deaths. Roofers, for example, are at danger because of the number of people working in the same area (fall risk) and the high instances of heat stroke.
According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), one out of every five worker deaths occurs at a construction job.
One of Southern California’s most important professions is also one of its most dangerous. More than 200 agricultural workers die every year in the United States and more than 150 are injured every day. Cattle ranches are particularly dangerous, accounting for more than 50 percent of all agricultural deaths. Hazards include dangerous vehicles (particularly tractor overturns) and machinery, heat, ladders/falls, noise, repetitive motions, pesticides, respiratory hazards and unsanitary conditions.
Since auto accidents continue to be one of the top five causes of death in the U.S., it should come as no surprise that people who make a living by driving are at risk of serious injury and death. Truckers, taxi drivers and especially refuse collectors are at risk, but so are people who spend a significant portion of their job driving such as sales people.
Fishing is often considered a leisure activity, but for those who do it on a daily basis, it can be very dangerous. The nature of being out on the water puts those in this occupation in direct contact with weather-related hazards that can cause injury. Working with sharp and heavy equipment and being isolated from easy access to medical help add more danger to the picture.
Regardless of your occupation, accidents happen and sometimes injuries occur. If you are hurt while on the job, it is possible you can get compensation to help cover medical and living expenses. Contact a lawyer that specializes in work-related injuries as soon as you can after an injury to see if worker’s’ compensation will cover you. An injury alone can be devastating, but the loss of income and extensive medical bills add to the challenges you face. An attorney can help ease the situation for you.
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