What Jobs Put Workers at the Most Risk for Personal Injury?

Certain occupations in Colorado pose a higher risk of personal injury compared to others. If you work in one of these high-risk jobs, it’s crucial to understand your rights regarding workers’ compensation insurance for medical coverage. This article highlights six jobs in Colorado that expose workers to the highest risk of personal injury, based on state and federal statistics. By knowing the risks associated with these occupations, you can take appropriate measures to protect yourself and seek legal assistance if needed.

1. Oil and Gas Extraction: Hazards and Risks

The oil and gas industry carries numerous hazards that put workers at risk of serious injuries. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, the national fatality rate for this industry is seven times higher than the general industry. Common causes of injuries and fatalities in this sector include transportation accidents, slip and fall incidents, being struck by objects, overexertion, and exposure to harmful substances.

2. Construction: Preventing Injuries on the Job

In the construction and extraction industry, falls are the leading cause of death, as recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 16 fatal injuries in Colorado in 2020, with the majority resulting from falls, slips, and trips. Falls can occur from scaffolds, roofs, cranes, or trenches. Other causes of injuries and deaths in construction include electrocution, being struck by objects, and being caught in or between objects and equipment.

3. Manufacturing: Risks and Injuries

Manufacturing jobs in Colorado present risks associated with repetitive motions and heavy lifting, leading to back injuries and muscle strains. Machine operators are also prone to injuries due to factors such as human error, inadequate training, lack of machine guards, and defective equipment. Injuries linked to manufacturing machines can be severe, including crushed limbs and amputations.

Under Colorado law, you can obtain workers’ comp benefits for defective equipment injuries. You may also have a personal injury claim against the manufacturer of defective equipment if the product contained a defect in the design or manufacturing process.

4. Mining: Hazards Underground

Colorado’s mining industry, which focuses on base metals, industrial metals, and coal, exposes workers to various risks. These risks include cave-ins, shaft collapses, carbon monoxide poisoning, exposure to toxic substances, and respiratory problems associated with working in mines. Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate three deaths in natural resources and mining in Colorado in 2020, all related to transportation incidents.

5. Logging: High Fatality Rates

Logging ranks among the most dangerous jobs in the United States. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the death rate in the logging industry is over 21 times higher than the overall national death rate. Injuries common in logging include accidents involving power tools and heavy machinery, being struck by falling trees or objects, transportation incidents, and working in remote locations far from medical facilities.

6. Farming: Risks and Challenges

Farming is a physically demanding occupation associated with significant injury risks for farmers and laborers. Agricultural workers face hazards such as large animals, farm equipment accidents, tractor overturns, falls into silos, exposure to toxic weed killers and other substances, and heatstroke. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported three deaths in the farming and agriculture industry in Colorado in 2020.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Workplace Injuries

It’s important to understand that even seemingly low-risk jobs can lead to workplace injuries. However, if you work in one of the high-risk occupations mentioned above, your chances of suffering a serious injury increase. Knowing your rights and legal options as an injured worker is crucial. If you sustain an injury during any job in Colorado, it’s advisable to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer near you for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to financial benefits through a workers’ compensation claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit.