Everyone needs a job to survive, but some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. When you accept a job, you should know the dangers that you could face. You should also be confident that your employer will take steps to make sure that you have a safe working environment. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, analyzes the riskiest jobs in the country based on reports of injuries and fatalities.
The latest statistics list these as the most dangerous jobs, starting with the most dangerous.
- Logging workers
- Fishermen and fishing related jobs
- Airplane pilots and engineers
- Roofers
- Trash and recycling collectors
- Steel and iron workers
- Commercial truck drivers
- Farmers and ranchers
- Construction supervisors
- Grounds maintenance workers
What to do if You are Injured on the Job
You do not have to be working in a dangerous job to suffer an injury. Millions of people each year are hurt at work. If you suffered an injury while working, your first consideration needs to be your health. Seek immediate medical attention. It is your responsibility to immediately report the injury to your employer. You may report it to your immediate supervisor or through your HR department, according to your company’s internal structure. You need to keep all of the medical records from your injury including payment records. You should always report an injury to your employer, even if you think the injury is minor. Sometimes, an injury may seem insignificant but it can worsen and may be much more serious than you first think.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance that your employer must have in order to protect employees if they get hurt at work. The State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development, DWD, oversees workers’ compensation. You are entitled to workers’ compensation for injuries that you suffer while on the job. You may be entitled to a portion of your weekly wages and the payment of all medical expenses related to the injury. It is your employer’s responsibility to report the injury to their workers’ comp insurance company. In turn, the insurance carrier reports the injury to DWD.
If the claim is approved, you should receive benefits within 14 days of your injury. Keep in mind that you cannot get benefits unless you are off work for at least a week due to the accident. It is important to note that even though you submit a workers’ comp report, the DWD could deny your claim. There are many reasons why they might deny a claim or why they may stop providing benefits.
It is helpful to get guidance from an experienced Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorney. Your lawyer will pursue the claim and fight for your rights. If the claim has already been denied, you may be able to file an appeal. You deserve to get the money you lost because of a work-related injury. If you were hurt at work, do not delay. Contact Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. today to discuss the details of your injury.