There are many dangerous occupations in the United States. Everyone knows that construction, firefighting and similar jobs can be dangerous. But one occupation that gets a little less press for its dangers is installation and maintenance work on industrial machines and heating and cooling systems.
While these industries are doing what they can to keep their workers safe, these are inherently dangerous jobs. Every year people are injured and killed in these jobs through no fault of their own.
High Fatality and Injury Rates
According to an article in the USA Today, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers; and industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers are both in the top 25 most dangerous jobs in America.
People working on heating and cooling systems (ranked 25th most dangerous) have inherent dangers involved with the extreme temperatures of the systems they are installing or repairing. Further, slip and fall accidents are common in this occupation.
Industrial machinery work is a very similar job (and similarly dangerous, ranked 23rd most dangerous) with very similar types of dangers. Industrial equipment is dangerous to work on, with many mechanical moving parts and dangerous implements. People in this line of work are often hurt by being struck by objects, and the fatality rate is slightly higher, as well.
What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job?
It is critical to seek medical attention immediately if you have been hurt on the job in one of these occupations. As soon as possible, have a medical professional you trust check over your injuries and make a full report.
AS soon as possible after seeking medical attention, it is important to file a report and a workers’ compensation claim with your employer so your injuries are on record.
Finally, make sure you work with an experienced lawyer who can help you through the process and improve your chances of obtaining adequate compensation. The workers’ compensation process is notoriously difficult for people, so working with an experienced professional can make all the difference. A good lawyer will know how to avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that often stall the process, and can help you make sure you get the compensation you need after a work-related accident.