You might be one of many people in California who have been employed in the same industry or even the same company for years. Then again, you might better identify with those who have moved around from place to place, working in various career categories. Either way, it’s helpful to be aware of workplace injury data throughout the state, especially if you work in an industry that has a high percentage of workplace accidents and fatalities.
It’s logical to assume that, if you work in construction, you likely have a greater risk for on-the-job injury than someone who sits at a desk all day. However, there are several types of jobs that you might be surprised to learn have some of the highest percentages of workplace injuries and fatalities in the state.
Construction work is dangerous, but your employer should still protect you
As mentioned earlier, if you work in the construction industry, there is an inherent risk for injury every time you arrive on a job site. Your employer, however, is obligated to provide you with the necessary training and equipment available to help you lower that risk as much as possible. There are also state regulations and accepted safety standards in place to help protect you on the job.
Warehouse line work and agriculture are high-risk industries
If you’re employed in one of California’s warehouses, you might know someone who was involved in an accident on the line. Line workers rank high on most lists for dangerous jobs throughout the state. Working in the agriculture industry, as well, places you at risk for numerous types of on-the-job injuries. Working in a high-risk industry doesn’t mean you should expect to suffer a workplace injury or that you can’t request benefits through workers’ compensation if an injury does occur.
Are you a baker or short order cook?
Surprisingly, many of the workplace accidents that take place in California happen in bakeries and short order kitchens. In fact, if you’re a short order cook, your risk of workplace fatality has increased more than 60% in recent years. Unlike many other types of work, if you’re a baker or line cook, you can’t do your job from a remote location.
If you have to take time off during recovery from a workplace injury, you can’t make people’s food from home. Compensation for such employment is typically by the hour, meaning you might lose a substantial amount of wages if a workplace injury prevents you from returning to work.
Making ends meet during recovery from a workplace injury
Especially if you’re the sole wage earner in your household, a workplace injury can spark severe financial distress. In addition to medical bills, you might encounter challenges just trying to put food on the table and make ends meet during recovery. The workers’ compensation program exists to provide support to workers in such circumstances.
If you suffer a workplace injury, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for support to learn more about how to navigate the workers’ comp system. You can also determine what benefits might be available to help you achieve as full a recovery as possible and to provide for your family’s financial needs if you’re unable to return to work.
