Injuries in the workplace can be devastating, especially when they put you out of work. While work injuries can happen anywhere, there are a few high-risk workplaces in our state. Read Greathouse Trial Law’s blog to learn about Georgia’s most dangerous jobs.
What makes a job dangerous?
Before discussing Georgia’s most dangerous jobs, we must first define what danger looks like in the workplace. A dangerous job exposes someone to risks that can cause harm, damage, injury, or death in some way.
To calculate a job’s danger, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics takes state data and divides the number of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by the number of professionals in the field. Using the number of professionals helps ensure that it’s an accurate calculation.
When looking at the most dangerous jobs, they tend to be outdoors and affected by severe weather conditions. Additionally, jobs with high rates of occupational violence often have employees working alone at night while handling money.
What are the most dangerous jobs?
Now that we’ve defined dangerous jobs, we can look at some of the riskiest occupations here in Georgia. We will discuss why the job is dangerous, how much it pays, the most common cause of injuries, and the fatal injury rate. Here are Georgia’s most dangerous jobs.
Fishers
Average annual wage: $31,585
Most common cause of injury: Transportation accidents
Rate of fatal injury: 132 fatalities per 100,000 workers
The most dangerous job in Georgia is concentrated around the coastline. Working as a fisherman is extremely dangerous, as the job is characterized by hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather.
Transportation accidents are common in fishing, which is what makes the job so dangerous. From 2000-2015, nearly half of all fatalities occurred after a vessel disaster, while 30% of deaths occurred when a fisherman fell overboard.
Loggers
Average annual wage: $49,078
Most common cause of injury: Contact with objects and equipment
Rate of fatal injury: 70 fatalities per 100,000 workers
Georgia has more acres of timberland than any other state and exports the most forest products. However, having such a large industry means that people who work in the logging industry face high risks of workplace injury or death.
When looking at what makes the logging industry so hazardous, unpredictable falling trees pose the most risk. Most fatalities involve being struck on the head by trees or mishandling other equipment, like chainsaws. Hearing loss and heat stress are also common in this job.
Roofers
Average annual wage: $37,927
Most common cause of injury: Falls
Rate of fatal injury: 47 fatalities per 100,000 workers
Roofing is another deadly job here in Georgia. This job involves climbing, lifting, and working with heavy tools, which can all be dangerous. Another risky factor of this job involves the elements, as roofers work outside throughout the year.
Falling causes many fatalities in the roofing industry, especially since many worksites take place on top of tall buildings. However, falling is not the only cause of injuries and fatalities in this profession. Heat stroke, hearing loss, burns, and electrocution are all factors that make roofing one of the most dangerous jobs.
Construction workers
Average annual wage: $30,358
Most common cause of injury: Falls, heavy equipment, hazardous materials
Rate of fatal injury: 43 fatalities per 100,000 workers
Construction is a massive industry in the United States and affects nearly everyone in Georgia. This work involves heavy machinery, exposure to the elements, hazardous chemicals, and high physical demands. Most of the dangerous jobs tend to be in the construction industry.
Like roofing, falling from a great height leads to many fatalities in the construction industry. However, construction workers risk getting struck, crushed, or caught in heavy equipment. Other construction-related injuries include respiratory issues from inhaling debris, skin diseases from handling hazardous waste, and hearing loss.
Pilots
Average annual wage: $145,000 for pilots
Most common cause of injury: Transportation accidents
Rate of fatal injury: 34 fatalities per 100,000 workers
Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. However, high rates of injuries and fatalities make piloting one of Georgia’s most dangerous jobs. While most injuries and deaths occur in small aircraft, commercial airplanes can also be dangerous for pilots.
All aircraft are at risk of transportation accidents – especially when taking off and landing. Small aircraft like bush planes can face a higher risk of accidents due to human error or inclement weather, while test pilots put their lives on the line to ensure that aircraft are safe. Common injuries can also include hearing loss, deep vein thrombosis, and skin cancer.
Speak to an Expert
All jobs have potential dangers, but some are riskier than others. If you’ve been injured on the job or because of the job, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get the justice you deserve.
Contact us today at (678) 310-2827 or complete our online form for your free case evaluation. Our personal injury law firm aims to serve the great people of Atlanta and to give a voice to the voiceless.
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