Workplace injuries can happen in any industry. However, recent reports are showing exactly which jobs are the most dangerous for workers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, there was a total of 184 Illinois deaths due to workplace injuries and accidents, with 5,250 nation-wide. 140 Illinois’ workplace deaths involved wage and salaried workers, while the remaining 44 were self-employed.
Private transportation and warehousing are the most fatality-prone industries. At 61 deaths, transportation and material moving had the highest fatalities, with over half of those being truck drivers. Construction and extraction are the second highest. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting and construction follow closely behind.
Injuries occur in industries that are less obvious as well. Many of these are results of consistent bad posture and repetitive motions. Office workers can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders.
Here are the most fatal workplace accidents in Illinois:
Transportation and material moving – Transportation accidents account for 41% of Illinois’ fatal injuries on the job.
Equipment contact – At 18%, incidents that involve work equipment and objects are the second most deadly.
Violence from people and animals – At work, you are at risk for violence involving other people and, for some industries, involving animals. These account for 14% of workplace fatalities.
Falls, slips and trips – Another 14% are due to falls, slips and trips. The final 13% of deaths are miscellaneous incidents.
Being injured on the job or due to tasks required for work may make you eligible for worker’s compensation through your employer or insurance. If you have to take time off work, you will likely qualify for payment for that time. If your injury results in a disability, you could receive compensation.