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The only way that the vast majority of us provides for our needs for food, shelter, comfort and health is through having a steady, well-paying job. Yes, at various levels of satisfaction and pay, most of us spend many hours at jobs. Most of us can take it for granted that we can work in a safe environment. However, there are many occupations that are dangerous. Further, even while working in safer jobs, accidents occur. Sadly and often, accidents can be serious enough to alter or even end lives.

Because of the level and frequency of work accidents, in 1970, the U.S. Government introduced the Occupational Safety and Health Act. At that time, the U.S. workforce suffered 14,000 deaths in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created a set of enforceable workplace safety standards.

OSHA regulations and enforcement have been effective over the decades. As of 2016, the U.S. workforce experienced less than 5,200 fatalities.

The rate of deaths occurring at jobs in both the private and public sector is low, taking place at an overall rate of less than four deaths per year for every 100,000 workers who are employed on a full-time basis.

There are certain occupations that have nearly a zero chance of a work-related fatality. However, there is also the fact that there are many occupations that contain a significant level of danger. Employers, due to concern over the safety of their workers and, just as often, in order to comply with OSHA requirements, expend time and money to create safer workspaces. However, it is also up to individuals to be aware of the challenges and danger of their work.

While OSHA and employer requirements can and do significantly increase safety for all workers, safety procedures cannot eliminate all conditions and mistakes that can result in injury or death.

In a survey, 24/7 Wall Street identified 25 occupations with fatality rates that range from twice to 20 times greater chance of fatal injury compared to most jobs. Job features that increase danger includes exposure to risky environments, hazardous substances and having to operate dangerous machinery. Here is the list:

  1. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
  2. Painters, construction and maintenance
  3. Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers
  4. Electricians
  5. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
  6. Athletes, coaches, umpires, and related workers
  7. Telecommunications line installers and repairers
  8. First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, andgroundskeepingworkers
  9. Taxi drivers and chauffeurs
  10. Maintenance and repair workers, general
  11. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
  12. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
  13. Construction laborers
  14. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
  15. Grounds maintenance workers
  16. Miscellaneous agricultural workers
  17. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
  18. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
  19. Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
  20. Structural iron and steel workers
  21. Refuse and recyclable material collectors
  22. Roofers
  23. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
  24. Fishers and related fishing workers
  25. Logging workers

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2018

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