New Jersey, often called the Garden State, boasts a wide array of industries. However, not all professions are gardening, and some professions inherently come with higher risks than others. Surprisingly, those include gardening (farming). In today’s blog post, we explore the most dangerous jobs in New Jersey and the steps you should take if you are injured at work.
Farming, forestry and fishing
It should come as no surprise that farming, forestry and fishing are the top three most dangerous jobs in the Garden State. These occupations top the list with a fatality rate of 18.6 per 100,000 workers. The high risk is due to the use of heavy machinery and working in unpredictable environments, which significantly increases the likelihood of workplace accidents and injuries.
Mining, quarrying and oil extraction
Close behind farming, forestry and fishing is mining, quarrying and oil extraction. These industries report 16.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers. Workers often operate in hazardous conditions, including underground sites and confined spaces, and with explosives and explosive materials, making safety a constant critical concern.
Transportation and warehousing
Also, probably unsurprisingly in New Jersey is how dangerous transportation and warehousing is here. This sector sees 14.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers. Truck drivers, in particular, are at risk due to long hours on the road and the potential for traffic accidents.
Workplace injury first steps
If you sustain an injury at work, it is crucial to follow certain steps to protect your workers’ compensation benefit rights. First, Notify your employer immediately. Prompt reporting ensures that your injury is officially documented, which is essential for accessing workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical attention
For serious injuries, get medical help right away. If it is an emergency, it is okay to call 9-1-1. Some employers have designated medical providers for ongoing treatments and follow-up visits. Following medical advice not only helps in your recovery, but also shows that you are taking the necessary steps to get better. Not following medical advice can negatively affect your claim.
Documentation
Keep meticulous records of your injury, the workplace accident (what happened, who was there, etc.), all medical treatments received (doctors seen, location, billing, etc.) and any other relevant information (information given to you by your supervisor, time off requests, etc.). This documentation is vital for workers’ compensation benefits.
Conclusion
By understanding the risks associated with these high-risk professions and knowing the appropriate actions to take if an injury occurs, workers can better protect themselves and ensure they receive the support they need in the event of a workplace accident.