When you go to work every day, you are probably thinking about the things you have to do or the requirements you have to meet. You may be thinking about deadlines, your lunch break and many other things – but you are probably not thinking about the likelihood of being involved in a workplace accident. In reality, though, there are many Ohio workers that face this risk each time they clock in.
If you work in a high-risk occupation, it could be beneficial for you to know your rights in the event of a workplace accident. You could have a rightful claim to financial support through workers’ compensation benefits in the event that you suffer an injury or get sick as a result of your job. It is prudent to know what steps to take and what type of benefits you could receive.
Do you have a dangerous job?
Some people may be at a higher risk for injury at work. There are jobs that are simply riskier than others, and it is especially important for the men and women who work in these occupations to have the safety training and tools necessary to be as safe as possible.
According to reports released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that are riskier often involve working from significant heights, driving or operating heavy machinery. A list of the most dangerous jobs includes the following:
- Firefighters
- Electrical workers
- Operators of mining machines
- Construction workers
- Logging workers
- Roofers
- Iron and steel workers
- Truck drivers
- Mechanical workers
Workers in these types of jobs may be a higher risk for injury, but they still have the right to be as safe as reasonably possible at work and to claim benefits in case of an accident.
What should you do if hurt?
If you are unsure of what to do after an accident or believe that you could be at risk at work, you will find great benefit in reviewing the policies of your employer and standard procedures. Even when you know what to do, it is not always easy to secure the benefits you need and deserve through a workers’ compensation claim.
Injured workers have the right to recovery and support after a work accident. It may be necessary to fight for what you need to get better and move forward. A complete evaluation of your case will help you understand your rights and options.