There are certainly some jobs that are more dangerous than others. The construction industry is a good example, and it often has one of the highest fatal accident rates. Other professions that lead to high injury rates include maintenance, manufacturing, delivery drivers and first responders.
But it is important for people to remember that any profession can lead to injury. Nothing is entirely safe, and any worker could suffer an injury that causes them to miss time at work. All workers, even in “safe” professions, need to know what to do if they are hurt on the job.
Repetitive stress injuries
For example, office jobs are often thought of as being relatively safe, but even they can lead to repetitive stress injuries. Someone who has to type on the computer all day may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Workers who have to sit at a desk may develop lower back pain and spinal issues. Workers in older buildings could be exposed to asbestos or other dangerous environmental conditions, even if the tasks they’re given are not inherently risky.
Slip and fall accidents
Additionally, workers could always suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident. Even someone who works at a grocery store restocking shelves could slip on a wet tile floor and experience a traumatic brain injury or an SCI. It is easy to understand the fall risks in something like construction, where many falls happen from heights, but even a fall on the same level can lead to serious injury.
Because all workers face injury risks, it is important that they understand what rights they have to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
