6 Most Dangerous Jobs In Philadelphia That Risk Personal Injury

Some occupations carry higher risks of personal injury than others, and in Philadelphia, these are the six most dangerous jobs. 

1. First Responders

This category includes various jobs such as law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS (paramedics). There are obvious risks for anyone in these positions. From fires and 911 calls to emergency and disaster response, first responders regularly place their lives on the line.

2. Agriculture

Agriculture is a big business in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, but farmers are at very high risk for severe and fatal injuries. The work is long, grueling, and involves heavy machinery. As a result, workers must be alert at all times, which is a challenge in and of itself. 

3. Construction

Construction is inherently dangerous, and any construction worker can be injured on the job. However, the risk is significantly higher for inexperienced and improperly trained workers. Construction workers are exposed to all kinds of hazards, such as working at heights, exposure to chemicals, and working with heavy machinery. The leading causes of fatalities include falls, being hit by objects, electrocutions, and getting caught in or between two objects. 

4. Mining

From mine cave-ins and gas explosions that could kill in an instant to poor air quality that causes long-term health problems, mining is one of the most dangerous jobs in Philadelphia and throughout the world. Methane is a highly explosive gas that gets trapped between layers of coal. An accidental spark from tools and equipment could be enough to ignite this gas and cause an explosion. However, even with the inherent dangers involved in coal mining, it is the country’s second-largest source of electricity, so the industry is not likely to disappear anytime soon.

5. Transportation 

Commercial drivers face daily hazards on the road that frequently leads to injury. For example, distracted drivers, fatigue, inclement weather, and the risks that come with carrying heavy cargo. Accidents involving large vehicles are often catastrophic. Due to the size and weight of large vehicles, those involved can suffer severe or fatal injuries.   

6. Manufacturing

Employees in the manufacturing industry are constantly at risk of many types of injuries simply from the environment they work in. Heavy machinery and hazardous materials are often involved, which increases the chance of an on-the-job injury, such as amputations, fractures, or illnesses. Additionally, the heavy machinery used generates a lot of noise, which can cause hearing loss over time. 

Options for Compensation after a Workplace Injury in Philadelphia 

If you are hurt on the job, you are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault. These benefits can cover the following: 

• Medical expenses
• Temporary wages
• Permanent compensation or job retraining for severe injuries 

You also may be able to file a third-party claim if another individual or company unrelated to your employer contributed to or caused your injury. For example, after a construction accident, claims are often filed against subcontractors or general contractors, property owners, manufacturers of defective tools, or at-fault drivers who crash into company vehicles. By pursuing a third-party claim, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills and lost income beyond what workers’ comp benefits cover, pain and suffering, and more. Contacted a trusted Philadelphia work injury lawyer today.