Workers’ compensation claims are filed when a worker becomes I’ll or injured on the job. Virtually every job industry presents some type of hazard to employees, with slip and fall accidents being the most common work injury across all job fields. However, some industries present many more hazards than just slips, trips, and falls— and these hazards can even be deadly, in which a death benefit is paid to the family. Here are six job industries in Chicago that see the most workers’ compensation claims.

#1: Construction, Iron, and Steel

Construction work and its related fields (roofing, bricklaying, ironwork, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) are some of the most dangerous jobs all around the world. The biggest risk that construction workers face is a fall— both from a height and on level ground. Construction sites have a lot of material lying around, and if workers aren’t careful they can trip and fall. They also work from a height constructing tall buildings and can fall.

Other hazards they face include:

• Being struck by falling objects
• Being struck by heavy machinery
• Electrocution

Iron and steelworkers also work in dangerous environments when they’re not on a construction site. They’re also at risk of being injured in a fire or explosion.

#2: Farming, Ranching, and Agriculture

Farmers, ranchers, and other workers in the agriculture industry work to provide food on a large scale. Their biggest risk of injury stems from the heavy machinery that they work with as they can get pinned or run over by it. They also work with dangerous and even toxic chemicals, such as those found in herbicides (e.g., Roundup weed killer), insecticides, and other types of pesticides. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, burns, breathing problems, and even cancer.

#3: Logging, Fishing, and Hunting

This industry is similar to the agricultural industry in that it provides food on a large scale and most of the work is done outdoors. Because of this, one of their biggest work hazards is the extreme weather conditions. They’re also at risk of getting injured by the heavy machinery that they use. Also, loggers face the risk of being crushed by falling trees, fishers are at risk of drowning, and hunters are at risk of an animal attack.

#4: Mining

Miners have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They spend most of their time working underground in mines, which are prone to explosions and collapses. The underground tunnels are usually cramped, dark, wet, and have poor ventilation, while outside of the tunnels the miners are subject to extreme weather conditions. They also face the risk of being injured by heavy machinery, and more notoriously, becoming trapped in the mines.

#5: Transportation and Delivery

All transportation-related occupations naturally put their workers at risk of a motor vehicle accident since these workers spend the majority of their workday on the road. This includes both truck drivers driving across the country and delivery drivers driving through town. However, drivers of semi-trucks are more likely to cause these accidents and more damage because they drive for several hours at a time (i.e., they become fatigued and can fall asleep behind the wheel) and drive bigger vehicles. Delivery drivers (and truck drivers) are also at risk for strains from carrying heavy objects, as well as slips and falls.

#6: Waste Collection

The waste collection industry includes both trash collection and recyclable material and individuals working in this industry are at risk of being struck by a moving vehicle. Not all drivers pay attention when passing waste collection vehicles (most due to reckless driving, but also distracted driving), and that’s when a waste collection worker can be struck by another car and get seriously injured or killed. When not collecting waste, these workers are working with and around heavy machinery and other dangerous equipment.

Although these are the most dangerous job industries, anyone in any industry can be at risk for a work-related injury. For this reason, all employers in Illinois must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees’ lost wages and possibly medical bills. Still, calling a workers’ compensation attorney may be necessary for some workers.

Of course, these injuries typically happen due to the fault or negligence of another and not the employee that was injured. In this case, workers’ compensation benefits can be paid to the injured employee. Employees that were injured due to their own negligent actions may not be eligible for these benefits.

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