All workers face on-the-job hazards that pose an injury risk, but some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. The Indiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys take a look at the latest data examining trends of workplace injuries among different industries in the state to help identify some of the most dangerous occupations in Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) reports that approximately 93,300 employees in Indiana suffered a work-related injury or illness last year. This means the state experienced an average occupational injury and illness rate of 4.0 harmed workers per 100 full-time employees. This was a slight increase from the injury rate of 3.8 that was reported in 2013.
Some of the industries with the highest injury rates include:
- Local government– Employees like police officers, firefighters, teachers, judges, healthcare workers, and municipal workers accounted for the highest injury and illness rate in Indiana during 2014, with an average injury rate of 6.7.
- Real estate– Surprisingly, the housing market was the second leading industry when it came to workers being injured or becoming ill. The industry saw a more than 128 percent increased in its injury and illness rate between 2013 and last year.
- Agriculture– The industry reported 5.5 workers out of every 100 were hurt or sickened while on the job last year.
While these numbers may leave many Indiana workers concerned about workplace safety, it’s important to know employers are legally obligated to provide employees with a safe work environment. Most businesses are required to carry an insurance policy to cover any expense an employee incurs as the result of an accident that wasn’t their fault.
Knowing how to protect these rights can be a complicated process, which is why the legal staff at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys encourage you to speak with an Indiana personal injury attorney about your condition if you’ve been hurt while working.