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The most dangerous job location isn’t what most people expect

On Behalf of | May 13, 2024 | Workplace Safety

Certain types of work are inherently more dangerous than others, although every job has its risks. People largely understand that jobs in certain sectors, including construction and forestry, tend to be relatively risky. These industries see the highest number of worker deaths most years.

There are also many other dangerous professions that are somewhat less obvious. How people classify the danger associated with employment varies from one case to the next. Some people reference the likelihood of workplace fatalities. However, death on the job is quite rare even in the most dangerous professions.

Injuries at work, on the other hand, are somewhat common. When looking at the chance of incurring a significant injury at work, one work environment in particular stands out from most others as a highly dangerous place for professionals.

Hospitals are exceptionally dangerous places

People work in hospitals because they feel compelled to assist other people or because they want a stable career. Unfortunately, working in a hospital may significantly increase someone’s likelihood of losing time on the job to an injury or job-acquired illness.

According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 157.5 hospital workers suffer lost-time incidents per 10,000 full-time hospital workers each year. That is noticeably higher than the 147.4 injuries and illnesses per 10,000 full-time construction workers. The overall average for all private industries is 105.2 annual worker injuries per 10,000 full-time workers.

Factors including overexertion caused by patient care, violence, exposure to pathogens, contact with dangerous objects and falls are among the leading causes of injuries reported in hospital settings. Nurses, physicians and others providing support for those experiencing medical challenges could very well end up so injured that they need time away from their jobs to recover. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits are available to those in any profession, including medical professionals.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can replace someone’s lost wages and can help them pay for the cost of medical treatment when they have injuries or illnesses caused by their employment. Workers who understand that their jobs are riskier than average might be more proactive about asserting themselves when health challenges arise because of their careers.