The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified five industries where injuries on the job are at their highest rate of occurring. In a report released on Oct. 27, the agency said that almost 3 million people working in the private sector had been injured or become ill because of workplace accidents or conditions in 2015. However, overall, workplace injury and illness rates are falling. The report only examined nonfatal injuries. New Jersey workers in certain occupations may want to take extra safety precautions.
The industry with the highest rate of injured workers was animal production. With 6.6 injuries per 100 workers, this includes people who raise animals on ranches and feedlots. Not far behind were workers in nursing and residential care facilities with 6.5 injuries per 100 workers. Government-run facilities have an injury rate nearly twice as high at 11.7 injuries per 100 workers.
At 6.4 injuries per 100 workers were couriers and messengers, and workers in wood-product manufacturing were injured at a rate of 5.9 per 100 workers. Finally, pilots, cargo agents, mechanics and others who work in air transportation were injured at a rate of 5.8 per 100 workers.
Many people who are injured on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation although they may not realize it. Certain populations, such as immigrants, might be less likely to pursue a workers’ compensation claim because they may not know their rights or may fear retaliation. Employers are not permitted to retaliate against workers who apply for workers’ compensation benefits, and employees who experience this might want to speak to an attorney. An attorney may also be able to help with other aspects of preparing a workers’ compensation claim including appealing a denial if necessary.
