Most Dangerous Jobs in North Carolina: Workplace Injury Risks

North Carolina has a variety of work industries, from agriculture to manufacturing to transportation to healthcare. While these sectors make up the core of the state’s economy, they can also threaten the safety of its workers. By understanding the most dangerous jobs in North Carolina, workers and employers alike can identify and mitigate risks, seek workers’ compensation benefits when necessary, and fight for safer workplaces across the state.

Proving the injury is work-related

One of the biggest challenges in claiming compensation for a remote work injury is proving that your injury was work-related. Getting a doctor to certify that your injury is work-related certainly helps, but what if you can’t get that certification? Having a detailed record of your work activities and maintaining a clear distinction between your work and personal time can significantly help in these cases. Some even use time trackers precisely for this very purpose.

Understanding the Most Dangerous Jobs in North Carolina

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), North Carolina saw 68,600 workplace illnesses and injuries in 2023 that were not linked to death, which is an incidence rate of 2.0 per 100 full-time workers. This was slightly below the national average of 2.4. Furthermore, 217 fatal workplace injuries were reported in 2022, which underscores the significant dangers inherent in some occupations, such as:

Construction Workers

Among all the industries in North Carolina, the construction industry ranks as the most dangerous. There were 46 construction-related fatalities recorded in 2022, which accounts for 21% of all workplace-related deaths in North Carolina. The leading cause was slips, trips, and falls, associated with 24 of the reported deaths.

Common construction accidents associated with the industry include electrocution, struck-by-object incidents, scaffolding incidents, machinery-related accidents, and falls from heights. The injury rate in the construction industry is 1.3 per 100 workers, with the highest-risk roles being crane operators, roofers, iron workers, and laborers in general.

Delivery Workers and Truck Drivers

Transportation-related workplace accidents were the chief cause of workplace deaths in the state, accounting for 36% of all fatalities, or 79 total. The freight and trucking industries pose a particular risk to drivers due to potential exposure to extreme circumstances, like bad weather, reckless drivers, and long hours on the road.

Common injuries sustained in the industry include loading dock accidents, fatigue-related incidents, vehicle crashes, and musculoskeletal disorders from frequent straining during lifting. Workers who are particularly at risk include freight haulers, delivery drivers, and semi-truck drivers.

Factory and Manufacturing Workers

The manufacturing sector in North Carolina is large, including furniture production, textile mills, and food processing plants. There was an injury rate in the industry of 2.4 per 100 workers in 2023. Major concerns were repetitive strain injuries, heavy machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Common factory injuries included burns, exposure to chemicals, amputations, repetitive motion injuries, and crush injuries, with machine operators, assembly line workers, and welders being particularly at risk.

Forestry and Agricultural Workers

Significant threats like extreme weather, complex heavy equipment, and unpredictable animals are hazards that loggers, farmers, and other agricultural workers face. North Carolina’s natural resources and mining industry reported an injury rate of 3.3 per 100 workers in 2023, which was among the highest in the state.

Common causes of injuries included chainsaw accidents, tractor rollovers, heat exhaustion, and exposure to pesticides and dust, with crop laborers, farm machinery operators, and loggers being particularly susceptible.

Other Notable Dangerous Industries

Other industries that pose a significant danger to workers include healthcare and education services, as well as the electricity and power plant industries. Regardless of the industry you’re working in, if you have been harmed or fallen sick due to work-related circumstances, you are likely entitled to benefits under the North Carolina workers’ compensation system. By working with an experienced attorney, you can defend your rights and interests.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Dangerous Jobs in North Carolina?

A: The most dangerous jobs in North Carolina include:

• Construction workers
• Truck drivers
• Factory workers
• Loggers
• Healthcare workers
• Electricians

Based on national statistics, these industries have the highest rates of workplace-related fatalities and injuries. While these are the most dangerous occupations, it’s important to note that all workers across the state are at risk of being harmed on the job.

Q: What Industry Has the Highest Workplace Injury Rate in North Carolina?

A: The industry with the highest workplace injury rate in North Carolina is the natural resources and mining industry. This industry reported an injury rate of 3.3 per 100 workers in 2023. The second-highest workplace injury rates were 2.9 per 100, reported by both the trade, transportation, and utility sector, along with the education and health services sector.

Q: How Many Workplace Injuries Occur in North Carolina Each Year?

A: The number of workplace injuries that occur in North Carolina each year varies, depending on factors like the number of workers, the amount of oversight from governmental committees, and unforeseen circumstances. North Carolina recorded 68,600 workplace injuries and illnesses that were not linked to death in 2023, which is an incidence rate of 2.0 per 100 workers. In 2022, 217 fatal injuries were reported in the state.

Q: What Are the Leading Causes of Workplace Deaths in North Carolina?

A: The leading causes of workplace deaths in North Carolina by percentage are:

• Transportation incidents (36%)
• Falls (19%)
• Exposure to harmful substances (17%)
• Contact with objects or equipment (12%)

If you have lost your loved one in a workplace accident, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney who can recover compensation for their wrongful death.

Q: Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for a Work-Related Injury?

A: Yes, you can likely get workers’ compensation for your work-related injury, as most workers in North Carolina are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Most employers are required to carry insurance in case their workers get hurt. A seasoned attorney can scrutinize the details of your case to determine the benefits you may be entitled to, such as coverage for medical expenses, temporary or permanent lost income, and rehabilitation.

Get Access to the Benefits You Deserve With a Skilled Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Many jobs in North Carolina come with significant risks, with certain industries posing the greatest dangers to workers. If you have been harmed on the job in North Carolina, it’s crucial to safeguard your rights and understand your options for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. A compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer from The Sumwalt Group can help you navigate the necessary bureaucratic and legal processes to access these benefits.
Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss your case.