Workplace injuries: How dangerous is your job?

When you go to work each day, are you among other Florida workers who do so with the understanding that they are at great risk for injury on the job? The answer largely depends on what you do for a living. Some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. Then again, don’t think that, just because you sit at a desk all day in an office, you have zero risk of workplace injuries.

Many office workers carry out duties that involve repetitive motions, such as typing. In such cases, they may be at risk for repetitive stress injuries. The bottom line is that no job is 100% injury-proof. This is why it’s important to know what to do and where to seek support if you suffer injury in the workplace.

Death toll up from previous year

In 2019, there were more than 5,000 workplace fatalities in Florida and across the country. Do you believe your employers have fulfilled their duty to provide proper training, information and equipment to keep you safe on the job? Approximately 40% of workplace fatalities that occurred last year involved transportation. Do you drive to and from work? Do you depend on someone else to drive you to the workplace?

Do you operate commercial vehicles or construction equipment on the job? Vehicular collisions on the job often result in life-threatening or fatal injuries.

Is your job in the top 10?

Logging, fishing and aircraft industries typically rank high on most lists for job danger. If you’re a construction worker, firefighter or landscaper, your job also poses a significant injury risk. Injuries from falls, slips or tripping are prevalent among roofers. Perhaps, you work in the recycling or waste collection industry. If so, you, too, are at great risk for workplace injuries.

Recovering from a workplace accident

If you suffer injury on the job, it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor and non-life-threatening. Repetitive stress injuries, for instance, are not typically life-threatening but can have long-term, debilitating consequences. When you seek medical attention, you activate a paper trail of documentation that can come in handy if you later file a claim for benefits.

It’s possible that your injuries may prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. In either case, you’d undoubtedly be concerned about loss of income and making ends meet at home during recovery. Many Florida workers reach out for legal support in such circumstances to make sure they understand state laws and regulations that govern such matters, and to protect their rights and interests when filing a workers’ comp claim.