4 Jobs with the Most Occupational Hazards
Mississippi has averaged 10,743 workers' compensation claims over the last five years. These workplace injuries and illnesses are documented by the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission so that prospective employees are more aware of the hazardous conditions that come with certain industries. Here are four of the professions that come with the most occupational hazards.
Manufacturing
Jobs in the manufacturing industry continue to be some of the most high-risk positions when it comes to potential workplace injuries. In Mississippi, this fluctuates throughout the top three and most recently accounted for 2,354 claims in 2020.
However, this trend continues nationwide. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates in their most recent report that about 388,400 employer-reported claims came from manufacturing - a number that has significantly decreased nationwide over the last five years.
Most Common Injuries in Manufacturing Jobs
Among the hundreds of thousands of injuries and illnesses that happen in manufacturing, these three are the most common:
- Sprains, strains, or tears
- Pain or soreness
- Cut, lacerations, or punctures
Construction
With heavy machinery, working at heights, and power tools, construction workers are one of the most at-risk groups for workplace injuries. In the most recent data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 194,900 claims were filed in construction - 19% of which were in building construction jobs. While this industry accounts for a little over 100 claims in Mississippi each year, the risk of injury is still present and common.
Construction Sites Have the Most Standards Violations
OSHA reports that the standards they have in place to protect construction workers are some of the most frequently cited violations, including:
- Fall protection and fall protection training
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
Since falls are the leading cause of death in this industry, accounting for nearly a third of all fatalities, OSHA has strict standards when it comes to ensuring employee safety against this hazard. If an employer fails to implement the appropriate safety measures, train their workers, or regulate third-party contractors, they could be considered negligent.
Transportation
Believe it or not, transportation and warehousing accounted for over 219,300 injury claims in the most recent report, and 1,044 in Mississippi. Being employed in the transportation industry — whether you are a motor vehicle operator, engineer, or in sanitation — comes with a unique set of hazards that are less common in other jobs. Other than the obvious, motor vehicle accidents, these can include:
- Loading and unloading
- Falling
- Electrical issues
- Forklifts and other heavy machinery
While there is much training available for those looking to pursue a career in this industry, unpredictable risks — like motor vehicle accidents — need to be taken into consideration.
Healthcare
Those who work in the healthcare and social assistance sectors may find themselves at some of the greatest risk for workplace injuries and illnesses. With more than 541,900 claims being filed in the latest report release, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA have been working on assisting these workers to remain safe and healthy while on the job.
Aside from the risk of illnesses that are present 24/7, the most common injuries that these workers sustain are:
- Back injuries
- Cuts and punctures
- Fractures and sprains
- Patient violence
Along with these, dozens of other risks to both the mental and physical health of these workers remain an issue. To learn more about what OSHA is doing to combat these hazards and implement more safety standards, click here.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
As one of the most populous counties in Mississippi, Harrison consistently ranks high for the number of workers’ compensation claims filed annually. Because of this, our Gulfport firm is dedicated to helping you recover the damages you need following a workplace accident. If you are looking for assistance in filing or seeking representation for your claim, call (228) 231-3989 to schedule a consultation with our team.