Workers’ compensation claims are filed when an employee accidentally becomes injured at work. The majority of business owners are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case a worker gets seriously injured or dies on the job. Here’s a look at some of the most common jobs in Illinois, and those that are likely (and not so likely) to see workers’ compensation claims.

Construction Work

Construction work is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous career fields in the world. The biggest threat to a construction worker is a fall, particularly from a height. Because they’re constructing buildings, they’re often working off the ground. Construction sites in general are known to be full of hazards (e.g., building materials and electrical cords lying around), and there are even objects falling from a height at times, which can also cause serious injuries.

Food Service/Counter Workers

This is one of the unlikely career fields that people think of when it comes to work injuries and filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, those working in food service (i.e., waiters/waitresses, chefs, fast food workers, etc.) face the risk of slipping and falling on slippery surfaces. They also work around very hot appliances and face the risk of getting burned.

Manufacturing/Assembly

Manufacturing and assembly work is one of the more well-known dangerous jobs in Illinois. They work with and around heavy machinery, and face the risk of sustaining injuries from these machines. Limbs can get crushed by or caught in this machinery, or they can be struck and pinned by machines and other objects. Manufacturers also work with dangerous chemicals that can cause irritation and/or burns.

Nursing

Nursing is a career field that many people are not likely to assume sees a lot of workers’ compensation claims. They, too face the same risk of slipping and falling on wet and slippery surfaces as many others in all career fields, but they also have their own unique set of work hazards. There’s the risk of getting stuck by needles and other sharp objects, as well as experiencing strains from lifting patients.

Outdoor Work

Many may assume that working outdoors is a relaxing career opportunity— and it can be— but many of the outdoor jobs available in Illinois require hard labor. Some examples of these jobs include agriculture, ranching, farming, fishing, hunting, and logging. Those working in any of these career fields are already at risk of being exposed to various weather conditions, plus they work with a lot of heavy machinery. Those in the agricultural industry specifically, are at a higher risk of being exposed to dangerous chemicals found in pesticides.

Retail/Cashiers

Those working in retail may also seem to have safer jobs, and they are fairly safe compared to other jobs, such as construction. However, many retail workers may occasionally have to stock shelves, and this usually involves climbing ladders. A faulty ladder can cause a fall from a height, and this can result in serious injuries. They’re also at risk for strains (from lifting heavy objects) and slips and falls.

Secretaries/Office Work

Office jobs seem like one of the safest jobs in Illinois, and they are— to a certain extent. Many offices are carpeted, so slipping isn’t a huge risk, but damaged carpet can be a tripping hazard. Office workers are also at risk for sprains and strains related to repetitive motions, such as typing.

Truck Drivers/Transportation

Because transportation-related careers require their employees to spend the majority of their time on the road, these workers are at a higher risk for traffic accidents. Some of the most common causes of traffic accidents include distracted driving, impaired driving, and reckless driving. Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other types of drivers can also cause accidents if they’re driving while fatigued.

Warehousing

Warehouse workers also have pretty dangerous jobs that may require a workers’ compensation claim. They work with heavy machinery, are constantly moving heavy objects, and can also trip, slip, and fall on wet/slippery or cluttered floors. There are plenty of ways for them to get injured and if their employers don’t want to pay for medical expenses and lost wages, they’ll have to call a workers’ compensation attorney.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation benefits can only be paid if the injury wasn’t due to the employee’s negligence but that of the employer or another’s. Workers in all career fields should be properly trained to perform their jobs as safely as possible. However, accidents can happen and that’s what workers’ compensation is available for,