Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Most Dangerous Jobs in New Jersey

Across the country, there are countless jobs that are inherently dangerous for workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2014, 87 people lost their lives in work-related accidents in New Jersey, which is three out of every 100 full-time workers. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development compiled a list of the 10 most dangerous jobs in New Jersey based on both non-fatal injury and fatality rates among employees across countless professions. Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers report their findings.

Firefighters come in at number ten, with close to six incidents per 100 employees. Incidents are considered workplace accidents that resulted in days missed from work, job transfer, or restriction from duty. Police officers have the ninth most dangerous job in the state. In 2014, there were four officer fatalities in the line of duty.

Messengers and couriers have the eighth most dangerous profession in the Garden State. The hazards of delivering packages include traffic, inclement weather, and heaving lifting, all while working against the clock. Utility workers are just ahead of couriers in workplace accidents and fatalities. The risk of electrocution is a daily reality for utility line workers. Burns, lost limbs, and electrocution are all risks that come with the job of maintaining and repairing utility lines.

Health care workers experience more workplace injuries than all of these professions. Exposure to pathogens, needle-stick injuries, radioactive materials, and risk of falling, back injuries, and overexertion are all hazards facing medical professionals.

Coating is the fifth most dangerous job in New Jersey. Workers that coat metal are exposed to toxic chemicals and dangerous machinery. Corrections officers have the fourth most dangerous job in New Jersey, with nearly eight incidents reported for every 100 workers. Most incidents occur during altercations with prisoners.

The Three Most Dangerous Jobs in New Jersey

Transit workers including bus drivers, taxi, and ambulance drivers face chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes due to workplace stress, making it the third most dangerous job the state. Truck drivers are next in line at number two. Long hours on the road can lead to physical fatigue for many truck drivers, sometimes compromising their ability to stay alert behind the wheel. Long hours of sitting behind the wheel and the lack of healthy meal options on the road can lead to obesity and the health problems that come with it.

The most dangerous job in New Jersey, and perhaps the country, is roofing. Working at an elevation comes with the job for roofing contractors. Falling is always a risk for this profession. Working with tar that can reach up to 500 degrees can also lead to burns and other serious injuries. But in roofing, as in all the jobs mentioned, safety is always improving. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is among several agencies dedicated to improving and updating safety legislation, training, and practices for all industries throughout the country.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight for Those Injured on the Job

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers at DiTomaso Law advocate for employees injured in workplace accidents. Injured workers may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. Call our Cherry Hill offices today at  856-414-0010 or our Philadelphia offices at 215-426-4493 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online. Our attorneys serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, Burlington County Camden County, and Atlantic County.