This is arguably one of the best times to be outdoors. As we nudge our way into Fall, it means comfortable temperatures without the elements of the frigid winter months or the hot summer months. However, even with these more favorable conditions—outdoor work is risky business! Last year, nearly 175,000 Pennsylvania workers were hurt on the job. About thirty-three percent of those injuries happened outdoors and the majority of all fatal workplace accidents were related to outdoor industries. So,
- When Hurt on the Job, What Are the Biggest Contributing Factors?
- Which Outdoor Work is Most Dangerous?
- What to do if You Are Hurt on the Job?
When Hurt on the Job, What are the Biggest Contributing Factors?
Some of the contributing factors will come as no surprise. The most common factor contributing to outdoor work injuries is heat. Hot summer days combined with overexertion can lead to serious heat-related injuries like heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. However, a number of other conditions can come into play, resulting in debilitating injuries.
The work site, as well as the layout of the area around it, can contribute to hazardous conditions when working.
- Uneven surfaces, wet grass, and mud can make for dangerous travel by foot or by vehicle.
- Holes in the ground can cause trip and falls that lead to catastrophic injuries to the brain or spinal cord.
- Certain terrains allow water to collect, creating drowning hazards.
- Hazards can also be found overhead. Heavy machinery or power lines coming into contact with moving equipment, or a worker, can be deadly.
Weather hazards can be dangerous to anyone, but when working outside, they become even more problematic. Lightning, thunderstorms, flash flooding, strong winds and tornados, snow, freezing rain, sleet, and hail should always be taken seriously. At GLS Injury Law, we see countless workers’ compensation and accident cases related to weather.
Emergency action plans should be in place for all outdoor workers, and rules abided by to ensure the safety of all workers.
Insects can be annoying…and they can also lead to serious, lifelong illnesses. In some cases, stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, while in others, victims can be infected with more serious diseases or bacteria. Contrary to what one might think, employers are legally liable for any illnesses that result from bug bites sustained on the job!
Ticks are the most common pest in our state capable of causing serious medical conditions for employees working outdoors. They can carry Lyme Disease, as well as the Powassan virus. Without immediate and proper treatment, symptoms of Lyme Disease can include memory loss, arthritis, restless sleep, and fatigue. The Powassan virus can be even more devastating—as it’s known to attack the brain, causing neurological problems and even death in some cases.
Which Outdoor Work is Most Dangerous?
Workplace fatalities are increasing. In 2018, a total of 5,250 people died at the workplace, representing a slight rise from the year before. Many workers died in transportation accidents, while others lost their lives to incidents involving dangerous equipment. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most dangerous jobs in America, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#10 – Landscaping, Lawn Service and Groundskeeping
#9 –Construction and Extraction
#8 –Structural Iron and Steel
#7 –Farming and Agriculture
#6—Trucking and Traveling Sales
#5 –Refuse and Recyclable Materials
#4 –Roofing
#3—Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
#2—Commercial Fishing
#1—Logging
What to do if You’re Hurt on the Job
When you’re injured on the job, no matter what your profession or cause, you’re likely dealing with a stack of confusing legal forms, insurance companies and an employer who is trying to get you back to work as soon as possible, even if it is not in the best interest of your long-term health. That’s where our experienced personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys step in to help. It costs nothing to have your case reviewed and for us to answer your questions, explain the process and address your concerns.
If you’re hurt on the job, Call Georgelis First at 717-394-3004! Our attorneys have helped secure more than $117,000,000 for accident victims, and we can help you too. We’re available 24/7 and will come to you for a free consultation. We never collect a fee unless we get money for you. Contact us today and we’ll handle everything from there!
