Any Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney knows that no job is 100% risk-free. Despite OSHA and local regulations, some employers do not offer a completely safe work environment. Then again, despite all the precautions, accidents will happen. However, some jobs are more dangerous than others. Every year, they rank high in the unfortunate top of jobs with the highest proportion of fatal work accidents.
We relied on statistics prepared at the national level, and for the state of Louisiana. In this article, we wish to make workers aware of the fact that they must be extra careful and refuse to cut corners when it comes to their personal safety.
Also, they should know that if they suffer a workplace injury, a Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney is ready to help them file their claim. We are also here for the bereaved families who lost a loved one due to a fatal work accident.
Statistical Data on Fatal Work Accidents in Louisiana
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published the most recent data on fatal work accidents in our state for the year 2021. The data shows that 141 workers lost their lives due to an accident that happened while they were performing their job duties.
The most common causes of fatal work injuries were:
- Transportation accidents – 52 cases
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments – 30 cases
- Falls, slips, and trips – 19 cases
- Contact with objects and equipment – 15 cases.
Surprisingly, most of these workers were not inexperienced beginners or older workers approaching retirement age. The most at-risk age groups for fatal work accidents in Louisiana were:
- 35 to 44 years – 34 cases
- 25 to 34 years – 33 cases.
These Are the Jobs With the Highest Risk of Fatal Work Accidents
Unfortunately, the statistical data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that fatal workplace injuries are on the rise. In 2021, the national rate of death among workers was 3.6, the highest level since 2016. This rate corresponds to one death every 101 minutes in a work-related accident.
And these are the most dangerous jobs, with the highest fatality rates.
1. Fishing Workers
Louisiana is famous across the US for its fresh fish and seafood production. Fishing is one of the major industries in our state. It is also one of the deadliest. According to OSHA, the rate of fatal workplace injuries among fishing company employees is 132.1 per 100,000 workers.
The most common causes of work-related death are drowning and being crushed under heavy machinery.
2. Logging Workers
Almost half of the territory of our state is covered in woods. Thus, trees represent the number one agricultural product in Louisiana. As a result, the logging industry is extremely well developed – being the 4th US state with the highest employment level in this field.
However, this is also one of the industries with the highest risks of suffering fatal workplace injuries, with a rate of 91.7 per 100,000 workers. The most common risks are getting crushed by heavy machinery or coming into contact with dangerous objects.
3. Roofers
Roofing contractors are essential service providers both for residential and commercial property owners. Roofs need ongoing maintenance and repairs. They also need to be replaced after several decades.
A roofer’s work is at a significant height. If the average home has only a ground floor, a first floor, and an attic, commercial buildings can have more than 50 floors. A fall from such a height proves fatal in most of cases.
Even a fall from an average height can cause death if the worker suffers severe spine, head and brain injuries.
4. Construction Workers
Construction workers are building America every single day. They are also exposed to a very wide range of risks, such as:
- Transportation accidents
- Falling from heights
- Getting crushed under heavy machinery
- Getting into contact with live electrical wires.
As a result, employees on construction sites are at risk of fatal workplace injuries. The fatality risk for this profession is 43.3 per 100,000 workers.
5. Structural Steel Workers
Although their work is in the construction field, structural steel workers represent a separate category from other construction workers. Their job is extremely risky, because they carry, set up, and assemble heavy steel frames and columns.
They create the structure for impressive skyscrapers, but this means that a lot of their work takes place at significant heights. Any slip and fall can be fatal in this situation. According to OSHA, the fatality rate for structural steel workers is 32.5 per 100,000 workers.
6. Commercial Drivers
Delivery personnel, truck drivers, and couriers are also at risk of losing their life due to fatal workplace injuries. In the vast majority of cases, commercial drivers die in traffic accidents.
Car and truck accidents remain one of the leading causes of death across the US. According to statistical data, one fatal car accident occurs every 15 minutes nationwide. And many victims are people who were just doing their job.
7. Farmers and Agricultural Workers
They grow and harvest food for all Americans. And many of them die at work. Farmers and other agricultural workers are always operating or around heavy machinery. And one of the main causes of fatal workplace injuries is a tractor crash. These crashes can happen in traffic or as a result of a vehicle malfunction, out in the fields.
The fatality rate in this field of work is 20.9 per 100,000 workers.
A Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney Is Ready to Help Injured Workers and Their Families!
The work of a Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney is complex and, sometimes, with a heavy emotional load. We are always happy to assist injured workers file for workers’ comp benefits. Sometimes, we have to negotiate with an employer to collect these benefits on behalf of a grieving family.
No matter what complexities the case may hold, we are ready to fight for our client’s rights. We know that, even if an employer appreciates their workers, and wants to do right by them, insurance companies always care about their profits.
For this reason, you will need an experienced lawyer to negotiate your claim and protect your rights. Call us for a free case review as soon as possible after a workplace accident!
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