When we think about what jobs are dangerous and which ones aren’t, not many people in Denver would think that government jobs could leave them sick, injured or otherwise unable to work. After all, isn’t it the government that is responsible for documenting workplace safety violations?
Just like a private employee, an injured health care worker who works for the state of Colorado or for a local municipality is eligible for workers’ compensation. And, just like a private employee, someone who is hurt on the job and can no longer work may be confused by or frustrated with trying to figure out the Colorado workers’ compensation program alone. Turning to a workers’ compensation attorney, however, can help someone navigate the system and apply for benefits, especially at a time when an out-of-work and injured employee needs them the most.
A recently released list of occupational illnesses and injuries by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the job which has the highest number of illnesses, injuries and days off are state nursing home and residential care workers. With 13.1 incidents of injury or illness for every 100 workers, it is clear that those working with the ill and elderly are the most likely to need workers’ compensation.
Rounding out the list of the ten most injurious or sickly jobs are public safety officers, nurses, hospital employees, civil engineers, and transportation workers for state and local governments and private nurses, beverage and tobacco plant workers, and employees in the air transportation industry.
It may come as a shock to many people in Denver that the most dangerous jobs are those with state and local government, but it is fortunate that public employees have many of the same protections as private ones, including workers’ compensation.
Source: Business Insider, “It’s Ironic What Job Is Most Likely To Get You Sick Or Injured In America,” Max Nisen, Oct. 25, 2012
