“Accidents happen” is a common phrase we hear constantly, but when it results in death it takes on a new meaning. Add that to the workplace and then we’re talking legal action.
National rates of workplace related deaths are on the decline. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with the Bureau of Labor and Statistics tracks and reports fatalities that occur at the workplace. Reported in 2014 there were 4,679 fatal workplace related deaths which is an increase of 2% over the revised account of 4,585 fatal injuries in 2013. The 2013 number represents the second lowest number of work related deaths since tracking started in 1992.
In 2014, Florida reported 221 fatal injuries due to workplace incidents. Even though national rates have decreased, some jobs remain incredibly dangerous. Listed below are the top 8 dangerous jobs in the U.S. today. Some of them just might surprise you.
Top 8 Hazardous Jobs in the U.S.
- Fishing – Extreme weather and heavy equipment relate to the causes of the 121 deaths per 100,000 for fishermen.
- Logging – Falling trees, large equipment and difficult terrain account for the average of 97 deaths per 100,000. Death rate is higher than police and firefighters.
- Aircraft Pilots – Equipment failure, bad weather, emergency response, fatigue and crashes makes this professions’ 70 deaths per 100,000 surprising.
- Miscellaneous Extraction Workers – Extreme work conditions account for the death rate of 57 per 100,000 workers. They include occupations such as earth drillers, blasters, explosive workers, derrick operators and mining machine operators.
- Iron and Steel Workers – An average of 42 per 100,000 of these workers die due to heights, heavy metals and welding.
- Roofers – Working conditions such as heights, extreme heat and dangerous tools account for 36 per 100,000 death average in this profession.
- Sanitation Workers – Sanitation workers are four times more likely to die than firefighters and security guards. Their rate of 33 deaths per 100,000 is due to heavy equipment, traffic and hazardous materials.
- Ranchers and Farmers – Heavy machinery and large livestock account for the death average of 24 per 100,000.
Police officers rank #15 on the list of dangerous jobs. Truck drivers, construction workers, power line installers/repairers and taxi drivers rated higher in fatalities on the job than police officers in 2013. Rates for police on job related deaths may be higher this year in 2015 considering recent developments that have been reported in the news and online media.
Top Hazardous Jobs In Florida
In 2014 Florida’s 221 work related deaths is down from 239 deaths in 2013. That is a decrease of 7%. Some of the hazardous jobs in Florida are the same as in the U.S., but some are slightly different. Take a look and see which one’s interest you.
- Truck Drivers
- Construction Workers
- Roofers
- Grounds Maintenance Workers
- Police Officers
- First-line Supervisors/Managers, Sales Workers
- Electricians
- Labor and Material Movers
- Agricultural Workers
- Building Cleaning Workers (including maids, janitors and window washers)
Compared to other southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, Florida comes is second highest with 221 fatal job related deaths in 2014. Texas is first with 524 fatalities on the job and Alabama is last with 70 fatalities.
The top three occupational injuries resulting in death are the following:
- Transportation accidents
- Falls, slips and trips
- Violence due to people or animals
Knowledgeable Worker’s Compensation Attorney in Orlando, FL
Tragic accidents can happen at any workplace. When something does happen that ends in loss of life family members are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Find out more information by contact The Vaughan Law Group. We have been specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation and consumer law for more than 25 years, and have provided the highest quality legal representation for individuals in Florida and the United States. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling various injury cases including auto accidents, class action lawsuit as well as personal injury cases involving tourism.
The Vaughan Law Group provides quality legal representation and individual attention essential to successfully resolve the most complex cases. For additional information please contact us toll free at (877) 461-9083.
