The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of the most dangerous jobs in the country by looking at various factors such as fatalities, on-the-job injuries and other workplace hazards. In New Orleans, there are several industries that fall into the most dangerous jobs list.
If you work in one of these high-risk occupations, you should know how to take extra precautions to stay safe. In addition, you should also prepare to seek compensation for your injuries if you get hurt during the normal course of your work, especially if your employer is at fault for your injuries.
High-risk industries
Mining, oil and gas extraction is just one of the hazardous industries in Louisiana that ranks as one of the country’s most dangerous. Injuries in this sector include those related to transportation as well as fires and explosions. Louisiana had eight deaths in the mining, oil and gas extraction industry, according to the BLS’s most recent data. Construction continues to be at the top of the list for dangerous jobs. In Louisiana, according to the same statistics, there were 28 construction industry deaths.
Seeking compensation
It is important to seek compensation for your injuries if they occur on the job and are through no fault of your own. Sometimes, an employer is responsible for the conditions that lead to workplace injuries, such as unsafe working conditions or providing unsafe or defective equipment. Medical expenses and lost wages due to missed time at work can put a huge dent in your finances, and you should not have to make up this lost income on your own. The law protects workers who suffer injuries on the job.
No workplace can ever be completely risk-free, but some work environments have significantly higher risks of injury than others. If you work in an industry with a high risk of injuries, such as mining, oil and gas extraction or construction, in addition to taking safety precautions as part of your work, stay attentive for any discrepancies in workplace safety on the part of your employer. The law requires your employer to provide safe working conditions, and anything to the contrary that results in your injury could be a case of negligence.
