In 2022, a worker in this country died every 96 minutes, resulting in a total of 5,486 workplace fatalities, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While injury and death can occur in any occupation, some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others.
In the same year, there were 70 fatal occupational injuries in Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of these fatalities, 30 of them were caused by transportation incidents, 12 by trips, slips, and falls, nine by contact with objects and equipment, and nine by workplace violence. The remaining fatalities were caused by fires and explosions, and exposure to harmful substances or environments.
If you have been injured, or lost a loved one in a workplace incident, you need to seek advice from an experienced Oklahoma City wrongful death attorney.
Most Dangerous Jobs In Oklahoma
Some of the most dangerous jobs in Oklahoma are in the following sectors:
- Oil and gas operations
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Agriculture
Oklahoma has a large number of employees in the oil and gas industry. These workers face numerous work hazards such as explosions, chemical burns, and falls. They also frequently work long hours exposed to harsh elements which make their jobs more unsafe. Our Oklahoma City oil and gas litigation lawyer understands these risks.
Construction sites can be extremely hazardous due to working with heavy machinery, unsecured construction equipment, exposed electrical wiring, and working at dangerous heights.
Workers in manufacturing jobs may be injured by exposure to toxic chemicals, falls, and working with heavy machinery. According to the Oklahoma Department of Labor, the manufacturing sector has the third-highest number of fatalities among work-related accidents.
Trucking and transportation workers have the highest rate of fatalities in the workplace.Due to the massive size and weight of large trucks, collisions can cause severe injury and fatalities. We have top-notch Oklahoma City truck accident lawyers that will fight for you.
The agriculture industry is one of the most hazardous job sectors in Oklahoma. Leading causes of farm-related deaths include heavy machinery accidents, electrocution, falling objects, and environmental hazards.
What To Do After A Work Accident
After a workplace injury, you may be overwhelmed and stressed. However, taking certain steps can greatly increase your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. Consider taking the following actions:
- Report the accident right away even if you believe you are not severely injured.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious injuries. If not, you should still get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the incident.
- Contact an experienced Oklahoma City workers comp attorney promptly.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides coverage for the medical bills and lost wages of an employee injured on the job. In addition to paying for medical expenses and lost wages, workers’ compensation may provide ongoing medical care compensation and in the event of a work-related death, funeral costs may be covered.
However, each work injury is unique and so is the amount awarded for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, a workplace fatality could lead to a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death Claims for Workplace Fatalities
The loved ones of a person fatally injured at work may be able to bring a wrongful death claim in some circumstances. For example, if a party other than the employer or a coworker is responsible for the death, you may be able to file a wrongful death action against that third party.
Additionally, if a defective product or faulty machinery contributed to the fatal accident, the distributor or manufacturer of that item may be liable. These are not the only situations in which a wrongful death claim may be appropriate in a workplace fatality.
If you have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident, you need to seek the advice of an experienced attorney who handles workers’ compensation and wrongful death cases. They can evaluate your case and explain your options for bringing claims for compensation.
In all workplace injuries, you need to speak with an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney to understand your rights and explore your options.