Workplace injuries and occupational illnesses are unfortunate and pretty much unpredictable. Yet, they’re familiar, especially if the employer breaks his duty of care. If you’re working in a medium- to high-risk industry, don’t forget that you shouldn’t be the victim of malpractice and that your executive has the following responsibilities:
- To protect workers by creating a positive and safe working environment and complying with employees’ laws and regulations.
- To protect the well-being of their employees and others who may be impacted by the activities performed at work.
- To assess work-related risks employees are subject to, as they’re required by health and safety laws and regulations to identify and address those threats.
If you’re considering taking a risky job or want to know how to protect yourself and what to do in the event of a work-related accident, this article can help you.
Fishing
According to reports, the high fatal injury rate is a consequence of workers in this industry being required to interact with wildlife in many ways. Because of the frequently unsafe working conditions, this is one of the most dangerous professions worldwide. Drowning is commonly cited as the cause of fatalities, but injuries caused by heavy machinery can also contribute to workplace deaths.
From slipping to getting a hook caught in your finger, here is a list of hazards to be aware of when working as a fisher:
– Hypothermia. Falling into cold water can cause hypothermia, even in the summer. This potentially fatal medical condition causes your body to lose heat faster than it generates. Your organs start breaking down when your body temperature drops below the optimal limit, so ensure you’re dressed appropriately in case of unexpected splashes of icy lake water or cold weather.
– Falling on slippery surfaces. Fishing brings workers into contact with various surfaces that can easily cause harm, like slanted boat ramps, slick docks, and rocking boats, which can lead to a bad fall, twisting ankles and the like injuries.
– Fishing injuries. Although fishing appears to be a risk-free sport, it has a high risk of injury because docks and boat ramps can be slick and lead to cuts, scrapes, lacerations, sprained ankles, and other injuries.
Delivery and truck driving
Many truck drivers and delivery workers do their job under constant stress, which adds to the risk of being involved in a car crash. However, this is the case with anyone who’s required to spend time in the company car. Cases are common, and if you also happen to use the car at work, never forget that safety is paramount.
Should you be involved in a misfortunate traffic accident, take immediate action. There are some steps that can help reduce your losses, and experts from a company that assists people in making claims for work-related illnesses and injuries in the UK want you to know the essentials.
You might be eligible to claim if your employer broke his duty of care, for example, if they didn’t fix your broken car. Good for you if you have the necessary knowledge to carry out the claim process by yourself. But if you don’t, you might want to hire a specialised company for the process to be successful. Many offer their services under a No Win No code, meaning they only get a share if they win your case and obtain a claim.
A work-related car accident can make you suffer losses physically, emotionally and financially. Your job shouldn’t leave you poor, so ensure you help the claim solicitor, should you hire one, by giving them accurate details about the hazard, pictures if you happen to have and the like information. Go to the arranged medical assessments because this step can make or break a successful process, and rest assured knowing they look to get you maximum compensation.
However, let’s hope such disastrous events won’t happen to you and remember that your safety is more vital than any other task or angry client.
Logging
Loggers work in natural settings like forests and are tasked with using heavy machinery to produce raw materials such as paper. Conditions requiring contact with dangerous objects and heavy machinery are two crucial aspects of this profession that make it unsafe. Machinery injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in this industry.
Loggers have a fatal injury rate more than 30 times that of all US workers, and tree-care workers are also more exposed to hazards than the average employee. Here are some safety tips if you’re working around trees:
- Dress accordingly
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep your equipment in good condition
- Establish a training safety program
- Remember that no tree is worth getting hurt over.
Roofing
Roofers face a variety of hazards daily, including injuries from falling and other roofing debris, burns from volatile tars and chemicals and electrocution from exposure to dangerous power lines. This job is extremely difficult, and you must be tough and smart to work as a full-time roofer.
Unfortunately, employers don’t make roofers’ safety their #1 priority. They sometimes fail to realise the risk of lawsuits they’re exposed to, should an employee injure themselves, or even worse, die, due to their employer’s broken duty of care. If your employer doesn’t priorities your safety and well-being at the workplace and an unfortunate accident occurs to you, claim compensation. However, keep in mind that if you work as a roofer, you most likely are exposed to the following risks:
– Falls. Falls are one of the “fatal four” leading causes of death among roofers: they can fall from dangerous heights if employers fail to provide mandatory safety precautions such as fall guard rail systems and protection systems.
– Heat exposure. Roofers work in intense heat for extended periods during the summer, which can result in severe heat-related illnesses like extreme dehydration.
– Electrocution. Another fatal roofing risk is that workers in this domain are exposed to electrical hazards when they come into contact with power lines.
If you notice safety malpractices or that your employer doesn’t comply with safety rules and regulations, speak up. Always remember that you’re a valuable asset for the company and make a priority out of your health and safety whatever task you perform.
