Due to their nature, some occupations are inherently more dangerous than others. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, as many as 4,600 individuals across the nation were killed on the job in 2013. It is incredibly important that all proper safety precautions are taken in any job, but particularly for those that pose significant hazards.
One job search website has released a report regarding the most hazardous jobs in the nation. Residents of Chicago may wonder, what types of jobs in the city are especially dangerous?
One dangerous profession is that of airline pilot. This is a stressful occupation that is further complicated when insomnia, certain types of cancer, dehydration or other health problems arise.
Animal care workers also face hazards on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 63 deaths and over 12,000 injuries and illnesses annually can be attributed to the care of animals.
Construction work is another dangerous profession. OSHA reports that in 2013 over 20 percent of deaths in the private sector nationwide involved construction. Working with heavy machinery and on busy roads pose significant hazards to construction workers.
Emergency medical technicians are another high-risk profession. They face workplace hazards in the form of motor vehicle accidents, exposure to disease and being injured by medical equipment. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EMTs faced a workplace fatality rate that was double the national average.
Next week we will explore more jobs that are inherently dangerous. As it stands, it is important for employers in these professions to do everything it takes to keep workers safe. Should a Chicago work-related death occur, the victim’s family members may want to determine if they can seek compensation for their loved one’s death.
Source: CBS Money Watch, “10 of the most dangerous jobs,” Bruce Kennedy, July 22, 2015