It is no secret for anyone that some jobs are more dangerous (and deadlier) than others. While work accidents can happen to all of us, some industries are famous for their high-risk levels. The workers performing such jobs are well aware of such risks, and their employers do everything in their power to minimize them. In Georgia, almost all employers with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover full-time and part-time workers in case of workplace accidents or occupational illnesses.
More importantly, Georgia is a state that does consider what happens if someone dies because of work-related injuries. Some issues appear if you are a seasonal or migrant farmworker, as workers’ comp insurance might not apply in case you suffer injuries on the job.
Today, we will look at some of Georgia’s most dangerous jobs and industries to put things into perspective. If you are working in any of these fields and suffer injuries, the smartest thing to do is get legal help. An Atlanta worker’s compensation lawyer can review your claim and help you fight for your rights. Moreover, if someone close died because of a work-related injury, a lawyer will build a case to get the compensation you deserve.
1. Transportation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation incidents were the most frequent fatal job-related events in 2019 in Georgia. These accidents account for 40% of the total fatal work injuries recorded in the state.
Transportation is a dangerous industry, with truckers and delivery drivers having some of the highest risks to face every day on the job. Besides vehicular accidents, these workers also have to deal with the frequent lifting of heavy objects, driver fatigue, violence, and more.
Some estimates show that the fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers is 26.0 for drivers, truck drivers, and others behind the wheel, selling or delivering goods.
2. Construction
If we talk about the construction industry, we must mention that it is one of the most dangerous work fields worldwide. Georgia labor statistics suggest that the employment of construction laborers and helpers will grow by 5% by 2029, a projected growth higher than the average for all occupations in the state. But while Georgia is booming, construction sites witness staggering workplace injuries and fatalities numbers.
The recent reports released by OSHA paint a concerning picture. Only four types of accidents – dubbed the Fatal Four – account for the most frequent causes of injury and death in the construction industry in Georgia:
- Falls;
- Being hit/struck by objects;
- Electrocution;
- Operating or getting caught in/between heavy machinery, equipment, materials, etc.
Construction covers many areas and activities. Some of the most exposed workers are roofers, with a fatal injury rate of 51.5 per 100,000 workers.
3. Agriculture and Farming
One of the most important industries in Georgia is agriculture and farming. Authorities show that one in seven Georgians works in agriculture, farming, forestry, and related fields. Unfortunately, while agriculture and farming are the backbones of the state, the number of work injuries and fatalities associated with these jobs is on the rise. According to the CDC, in the United States, about 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day. While safety measures and technologically advanced equipment lower the risks of injuries and death for these workers, modern agriculture is still a very dangerous occupation.
Some of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in this sector include:
- Transportation incidents, namely tractor overturns;
- Sprains or strains, shared by most crop workers;
- Temperamental animals with unpredictable behavior;
- Long shifts in the summer heat;
- Exposure to harmful materials and products;
- Forestry incidents.
At this point, we have to mention that logging is the most dangerous job across the country, not only in Georgia. Some reports show that the fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers is 97.6. Fishers and fishing-related workers come next, with a 77.4 fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers.
The national statistics show that workplace injuries and fatalities do not spare anyone when it comes to agriculture, farming, and other related industries. For instance, those who plan, supervise, or coordinate the management or operations of farms or other agricultural establishments are also at risk, with a fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers of 24.7.
Bottom Line
Some industries and jobs are more dangerous than others; that is for sure. In Georgia, people engage in many high-risk fields, including nursing and healthcare, fishing, logging, and factory and warehousing. Workers need to know that workers’ compensation is a crucial safety net they can rely on in case they suffer accidents on the job. In some cases, the employer will escape responsibility and even blame the workers for their injuries. So if it happens to you, tend to your injuries, keep your medical record close, and seek legal help! Workers’ compensation attorneys in your state know the law inside-out and can help you (and your family) get the relief and compensation you are due.
