Just last month 33 Chilean miners escaped the underground cave system they had been trapped in for 69 days. Though they all miraculously survived, many were suffering from breathing difficulties and eye conditions when they reached the surface. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever find yourself in their situation while at work, but the miner’s plight prompted us to take a look at the most dangerous jobs in the UK.
Farming is statistically the most dangerous industry in the UK for serious accidents at work. It has been revealed that 38 people lost their lives in farm accidents in 2009 and a further 589 people were seriously injured. The figures mean working in agriculture is one of the most dangerous ways to make a living, accounting for one in five work-related deaths, although only 1.5% of the population actually work on farms. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the majority (27%) of fatalities were due to moving machinery, while the most common injuries occurred through handling, lifting or carrying objects (26%).
Higher fatality rates still are found among deep sea fishermen, who are 50 times more likely to suffer a fatality than those sitting at an office desk right now. The safety of deep sea fishing is blighted by a number of factors. Dangerous equipment like nets and chains cover the deck, and boats are often small and susceptible to bad weather in the middle of the ocean. When a boat does capsize, or someone is taken ill on a boat, there is no way for help to reach them quickly.
The nature of building exposes construction workers to serious accidents. Many construction workers use dangerous machinery such as drills or saws, and others like scaffolders must work at extreme heights that put them at risk of falls. During 2008 and 2009, 52 workers died and 11,264 were injured across Britain. HSE inspectors are to launch an intensive inspection initiative aimed at stopping dangerous practices on building sites.
An expert solicitor can help you claim compensation for an accident at work.
All kinds of Accident at work claims can be dealt with by visiting personal injury solicitor Liverpool ead solicitors.