Ohio workers have the right to a workplace that is reasonably safe and free from unnecessary risks. However, certain jobs are more dangerous than others simply by nature. If you work in a specific occupation, you may face a higher risk of injury every time you are on the clock.
No matter how dangerous your job is, you still have certain rights in the event of a workplace accident. It may be helpful for you to learn about the factors that could be placing you in harm’s way as well as what to do in the event you need support and help after suffering an injury. You may be eligible for help through a claim filed with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Are you at risk?
The Department of Labor has a way to determine how dangerous a job may be and how likely it is that a worker will face injuries or suffer from an occupational illness because of his or her work. When making a list of the most dangerous jobs, factors considered include whether workers will face exposure to contaminants, proximity to hazardous equipment, likelihood of contracting an illness and more.
Based on these factors and other characteristics of the individual job and workplace, the following list includes some of the most dangerous jobs:
- Metal workers
- Furnace operators
- Elevator installers and repair workers
- Surgical technologists
- Veterinary assistants
- Paramedics and emergency medical technicians
- Surgical assistants
- Waste management workers
- Firefighters
- Flight attendants
- Refrigerator mechanics
These are just some of the jobs that place workers at an elevated risk of suffering from injury or job-related sickness. Employers have the responsibility of making these jobs as safe as possible by giving workers the necessary training and protective equipment needed to avoid harm. When an accident does happen or when a worker does become sick, he or she has the right to pursue whatever benefits are necessary to get better and move forward.
What about you?
Maybe you work in a job that is dangerous, or maybe you are a worker who does not consider his or her employment to be inherently risky. No matter the nature of your work environment, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer injuries or get sick because of your job. These benefits include things like recovery of medical expenses, recompense of some of your lost wages and even support as you attempt to return to the workplace after your recovery.