On the Job Injury

When the idea of a dangerous workplace comes to mind, many think of places such as construction sites, shipyards, and any other labor-intensive job sites with easily recognizable dangers.

While work-related injuries have thankfully been on the decline for over a decade, they are still prevalent in jobs across the nation. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 3.1 million on-the-job illnesses and injuries in 2010, or an average of 3.5 incidents for every 100 full-time workers. Among the jobs reported on by OSHA for 2010, manufacturing had the highest average injury rate at 4.4 injured workers for every 100, but even the lowest ranked field, service provision, had an average of 3.4. The causes and severity of the injuries may vary, but no matter what field, the chance of a workplace injury exists.

From offices to construction sites, common dangers for workers in Rhode Island and across the nation include:

• Slip and fall hazards;
• Exposed wiring;
• Hazardous chemicals;
• Falling objects;
• Exposure to toxic materials;
• Vehicle accidents;
• Tool mishaps;
• Burn dangers; and
• Repetitive strain injuries.

Anyone who has been injured while performing their duties at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation, or possibly Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), to aid in their recovery and pay for the time lost from work. However, even after workers’ compensation runs out, an injured worker may qualify for Social Security disability income, and in some cases, a person collecting workers’ compensation may collect civil damages from a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident and resultant injury.

If you have been seriously injured while working, it is always a good idea to consult an experienced personal injury attorney and a Social Security disability lawyer to determine whether you qualify for additional awards, damages, or disability benefits. Fortunately, our firm can provide you with both. The Rhode Island workplace injury attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush are here to help you obtain the benefits that you deserve. For a complimentary consultation from our experienced law team, call our offices at (401) 274-7400.

While everyone’s passions and life circumstances may lead to different careers, the nature of your job can place you at a greater risk of injury. While every field of work has associated health and safety risks, some jobs present higher risks.

Construction
Working at a construction site can expose an employee to a number of hazards that have the potential for a catastrophic injury or accident. Falling equipment, dangerous machinery, deep excavation areas and unstable structures all pose a threat to workers, with roofers in particular facing serious or fatal injuries from fall accidents.

Electrical Repair/ Installation
The dangers inherent in electrical work come directly from the nature of the job. While electrical workers follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment, any accident involving a live electrical current can easily result in severe injury that can damage a worker’s entire body and vital organs in an instant. People who work in bucket trucks repairing electrical lines are also at risk of fall injuries.

Truck Driving
Due to long hours of driving, a truck driver has a greater chance of being involved in a vehicle accident. Combined with the chance of dangerous equipment failure, a higher likelihood of fatigued driving, hazardous road conditions, and long work days, truck drivers are at a high risk of being involved in an accident while on the job.

While these are only a few of Rhode Island’s most dangerous job fields, they are also common sources of employment for Rhode Island residents. However, all jobs can pose risks, with workers facing not only accidents, but also toxin exposure in certain environments. If you or a loved one has become ill or is injured while on the job, please contact the dedicated Rhode Island injury attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush. To schedule a free, confidential case consultation, please call our offices at (401) 274-7400.