Any Worker Can Be Injured, but Some Are at More Risk Than Others

In Minnesota, some industries see more injuries than others. But no line of work is entirely free from workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation provides a critical safety net in the form of wage benefits and medical benefits.

A recent CBS report listed these as the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.:

Firefighters: Burns, cardiac problems, toxic exposure, falls and falling objects, broken bones, wounds, cuts and bruising
Truck drivers: Road accidents, mechanical failures, physical assaults, back, leg and arm strain
Airline pilots: Insomnia, anxiety, deep vein thrombosis, dehydration and high rates of skin cancer
Health care workers: Especially in the areas of continuing care, where nursing injuries from lifting are common
Animal care workers: Broken and crushed bones, infections, various diseases and death
Construction workers: Falls, being hit by falling or moving objects, electrocution, burns and being caught in or between objects. Deaths are common.
Manufacturing and warehouse workers: Many injuries caused by machinery, vehicles, forklifts and falling objects. Repetitive stress is also a serious factor.
Emergency medical technicians: Air and ground transportation accidents, injuries caused by medical devices, and infectious diseases
Enlisted military personnel: Shootings, explosions, chemical exposure, machinery accidents, high stress and post-traumatic stress disorder
Loggers: Injuries from saws, falling trees and rolling logs; head and back injuries, amputations and lacerations
Corrections workers: Assaults, confrontations with inmates and people awaiting trial
Law enforcement officers: Assaults, collisions and chases. About 150 officers are killed on duty annually nationwide.

What Are Common Types of Workplace Injuries?

Injuries vary from one job to another, but some of the most common work injuries include:

Slip-and-falls causing broken bones, injured joints, back injuries, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries
Repetitive stress injuries such as strained or sprained muscles, damaged ligaments or tendons, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow and shoulder injuries, tendonitis and nerve damage
Overexertion resulting in muscle weakness, muscle soreness or cramping, muscle tears, joint pain, reduced range of motion, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and back injuries and herniated discs

In addition, construction or manufacturing workers are at risk for injuries due to falling objects, machinery malfunctions, and fires or explosions. These work accidents may lead to head and neck injuries, lacerations, amputations and burn injuries.

Many types of workers are at risk for exposure to dangerous chemicals, bacteria, disease and other hazards. They may suffer inhalation injuries and burns or they can contract serious illnesses. Exposure to hazards such as loud noises may result in hearing loss.

In our extreme Minnesota weather conditions, outdoor workers may be at risk for heatstroke or frostbite.

Any of these common types of work accidents and injuries may take months to heal; in some cases, they may be lifelong medical issues. Some may cause scarring, disfigurement or permanent disability. The most severe work injuries can result in death.

If you or a family member has suffered a serious work injury, you need a workers’ compensation attorney to help you recover benefits and possibly additional compensation from a negligent third party.

Your Twin Cities Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Were you hurt in any of these occupations or in another industry? We need to talk about the extent of your injuries and a legal plan for obtaining rightful compensation. We suggest contacting Baehman Fitzgerald, serving the St. Paul area, via our online contact form.