Workers’ compensation is financial compensation that is paid to workers if they’re injured on the job through no fault of their own. The law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation for this reason, and many hazards lurk in many workplaces. Here are six industries that tend to see more workers’ compensation claims than others.

#1: Construction

There’s no doubt in saying that construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in America, as construction, roofing, and many other jobs in the skilled trades are dangerous. One of the biggest hazards in this industry is falling from a height since many construction workers work from a height. Objects falling from a height and striking a worker in the head is also a huge safety risk, even when wearing PPE (personal protective equipment). Other work hazards include:

• Slips, trips, and falls (not from a height)
• Injuries from heavy machinery
• Electrocution

The construction industry has the highest rate of fatal injuries, and therefore, it is crucial to hire a lawyer who specializes in Workers Compensation claims.

#2: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

Farmworkers, fishers, and loggers have arguably the second most dangerous jobs. Some of their biggest workplace hazards include injuries from heavy machinery and coming into contact with hazardous chemicals, drowning, and being struck by a falling tree, respectively. Next to construction-related jobs, this industry sees a lot of workers’ compensation claims. If you want to keep everyone and your business safe, check out these chemical storage containers at STOREMASTA and be proactive at preventing accidents.

#3: Healthcare

The healthcare industry doesn’t seem like one that leads to a lot of injuries, nor does it seem like a workers’ compensation claim should be filed if they are injured. However, healthcare workers work long hours and come into contact with a lot of different people in different conditions, and are exposed to a lot of different diseases. They are also at risk for cuts and pictures that may lead to blood-borne illnesses. Strains from over-extension and slips and falls are also common injuries reported in the healthcare industry.

#4: Manufacturing

Manufacturing (like construction, logging, fishing, and farming), is a very dangerous industry to work in. People who work in manufacturing plants work with heavy machinery on a daily basis, meaning that their biggest risk is being injured by this machinery in some way. This machinery can pin them down, picture a body part, and even crush them if an accident occurs. Other hazards in the manufacturing industry include:

• Strains from lifting heavy objects
• Repetitive motion injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel)
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

Workers’ compensation claims coming from this industry are just as high as those claims coming from the construction, fishing, and logging industries. Navigating workers compensation florida claims (or elsewhere) can be complex, so it’s advisable to consult with a legal expert to ensure all processes are handled correctly.

#5: Retail

Like healthcare, retail is another industry that doesn’t seem dangerous enough to file a workers’ compensation claim, but there are hazards in this industry that do lead to this happening. In fact, the retail industry has the highest rate of nonfatal work-related injuries (whereas construction has the highest rate of fatal injuries). Some of the most common work related injuries seen in retail include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Overextension from lifting heavy objects
• Falls from a height (usually a ladder) when stocking/retrieving merchandise

Retail workers, like healthcare workers, also come into contact with a lot of people every day. Even though they’re not likely to be exposed to the more serious diseases that healthcare workers are exposed to, they do run the risk of getting sick with more than just the common cold.

#6: Warehousing and Transportation

Dock workers and truck drivers are both required to work long hours and lift heavy objects. This leads to strains caused by overextension. Dock workers, specifically, are also at risk for slips and falls, while truck drivers are at risk for motor vehicle accidents since the majority of their work is done on the road.

The state of Illinois, specifically, gives workers the right to accept a lump sum settlement for their workers’ compensation claim, versus receiving ongoing payments. If you’ve been injured at work, hiring a personal injury lawyer is a good idea to make sure that you get the maximum benefits for your workers’ compensation claim.

There are other dangerous industries, but these are the ones that see the most workers’ compensation claims come in. Many workers aren’t aware that they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they get injured at work, especially if the injury wasn’t their fault. You are legally entitled to financial compensation if you’re injured at work, and a personal injury lawyer can help.