It is a well-known fact that firefighters and policemen risk their lives each day to earn a living, help others, and make the community a safer place to be.
However, as of data from 2016, theirs are not the most dangerous professions. In fact, nurses that work in state-run nursing and residential facilities have the most dangerous job in the nation.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) concluded that in 2016 nurses and nurses’ aides reported 164,300 injuries and illnesses. This means that, since 2010, state nursing and residential care services have had an average employee injury and illness rate of about 13.7 per 100 workers. This is significantly higher than the injury reports from other commonly dangerous professions.
Based on this data, the top five most dangerous jobs in America are:
- Nursing and Residential care
- Veterinary Services
- Manufacturing
- Police Protection
- Fire Protection
Injuries and Illnesses in Nursing
Due to the nature of the occupation, nurses are at constant risk of injury and disease. Below are some of the most common dangers that nurses are exposed to each day.
- Needlestick: These injuries expose healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens.
- Back Injuries: Lifting and transporting patients can cause serious muscle and spinal damage.
- Fatigue: Long, irregular shift work can run down nursing staff, lowering immunity and their ability to perform their duties overall.
- Failure to immunize/vaccinate: Immunizing the body eliminates risks associated with diseases like hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and influenza.
- Injuries from patients: According to the American Medical Association, 20 percent of nurses have experienced acts of violence committed by a patient.
Deadliest Jobs
However, earning a spot on the top five list for the nation’s most dangerous jobs does not necessarily mean that these occupations are deadly. The number one spot on America’s deadliest jobs list goes to landscapers. In fact, in 2017, 77 landscapers were fatally injured between the months of January and September.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that landscaping also took first place as the number one occupational killer in 2014.
For those that may be curious, roofing and roadway construction took second and third place on the deadliest jobs list.
OSHA lists the top three causes of fatalities across all occupations as:
- Falling from heights: 29.9 percent
- Accidents involving motor vehicles or equipment: 19.1 percent
- Struck by falling trees and limbs: 17.84 percent
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks LLP Advocate for Injured Employees in Dangerous Jobs
Workers in any line of work can sustain serious, life changing injuries. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, contact a Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyer at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks LLP. Our Cherry Hill work injury lawyers are experienced in all facets of New Jersey employee laws and workers’ compensation matters. We can help guide you through the complex claims process and appeal denied claims. To learn more, call our legal team today at 856-761-3773 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our office is centrally located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and we serve clients in the City of Camden, across South Jersey, and throughout the state.
