The 5 most dangerous jobs in New York City that lead to injury

When you think of dangerous jobs, you might imagine police officers or firefighters, but the statistics paints a different picture, and on the job injuries are always a possibility, even if your job is relatively safe and hazard free. There are, however, several dangerous jobs which carry a higher than average rate of injuries or even death.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were 5,190 workplace fatalities in 2016, representing a 7-percent increase over 2015, and the first time that workplace fatalities have been over 5,000 since 2008. The fatal injury rate per 100,000 workers is also at its highest rate since 2010.

The number of workers injured on the job in 2016 was approximately 2.9 million, according to BLS, with nearly 900,000 of those injuries being more serious in nature and resulting in missed days from work.

Most Common Causes of Injuries

Some of the most frequent sources of on the job injuries are due to relatively common situations that can happen to any worker, no matter their occupation.

Overexertion Injuries – These are injuries most often related to pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, throwing, and so forth, and are often associated with pulling a muscle or throwing your back out.

Slipping or Tripping – These injuries happen all too often due to wet floors or materials obstructing walkways unexpectedly.

Falling or Falling Objects – Falling from heights, such as a ladder, or being struck by a falling object, whether it is from a shelf in an office or tools in a construction site, are another lead cause of injuries at work.

Most Dangerous Jobs in America

There are a few jobs in America that disproportionately lead to injuries and death among their workers. Two of the biggest culprits are commercial fishing and logging, which have been highlighted in a number of reality TV shows due to the extreme conditions and heightened dangers that workers face.

While incidents of death and danger have been reduced in recent years, they are still among the highest for any job in the country.

Dangerous Jobs in New York City

Workers in New York City face a different set of dangers than those on the high seas or in middle of the forest, but those dangers are still very real, nonetheless.

• Construction Workers – Construction work is far and away New York City’s most dangerous profession, accounting for 27% of all fatalities, even though they make up 5% of the workforce. The exposure to heights, heavy machinery, power tools, and more all pose a risk for injury and death.
• Subway Workers – The backbone of New York City’s transportation system requires a great deal of upkeep and maintenance, which can mean placing workers into danger of electrocution by the “third rail” that powers the system.
• Taxi Drivers – Taxi, limo, and other transit drivers must face the usual dangers of the road, including wrecks and accidents, but they must also deal with possibilities of assault and robbery, sometimes by their passengers. The dangers are often heightened while working at night due to alcohol.
• Sanitation Workers – Refuse collection and recycling workers face dangers on a daily basis while working with big, heavy machinery and engaging in physically demanding work. Dangers are also posed by impatient drivers who attempt to pass garbage trucks and inadvertently hit workers.
• Couriers and Messengers – Bike couriers and messengers navigate the chaotic streets in order to delivery documents, while trying to avoid the dangers posed by unpredictable drivers or simply a car door opening unexpectedly.

These are but a few of the most common causes of workplace injuries and the jobs that see the highest rate of injuries in New York City. If you’ve been injured at work, then you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Greenberg & Stein.

Our team has more than 75 years of combined experience and has handled all manner of workplace injury and accident claims. We offer free, 24/7 legal consultations and can walk you through what legal options and recourses are available to you following an on the job injury. If you need guidance following your workplace injury, then contact us today at 888-411-3966.