Close

What are the Most Dangerous (Fatal) Jobs in Florida?

If you are currently working or have worked in the past, you are probably well aware of the fact that some occupations are more dangerous than others. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that in the U.S., over 4,400 individuals lost their lives while on the job in 2013, and many more sustained some type of illness or injury.

Fatal workplace accidents can leave behind several challenges for surviving family members. In addition to losing a loved one, there is a loss of income, insurance issues, estate problems, and possible legal claims. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident, understand that you don’t have to face these issues alone. Florida workplace accident attorney David Fuchs can help you pick up the pieces, and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free case consultation, reach out through the online form.

Understanding the Statistics

According to a study released earlier this year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were 299 fatal workplace accidents in the state of Florida in 2017. While this is a decrease from the 309 reported in 2016, many of these accidents could have been prevented. A closer look at the report reveals some interesting facts, including the leading causes of such incidents:

Transportation

According to the most recent statistics from the BLS, transportation accidents were the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries in the state of Florida in 2017. While this may be obvious for truckers, cab drivers, and other people in the transportation industry, accidents can happen in almost any line of work. For example, just about anyone can get into a motor vehicle accident while doing the following:

  • Driving to and from customers or job sites
  • Driving to pick up parts, materials, or merchandise
  • Driving to and from training facilities

However, transportation accidents include more than just car accidents. They also include when a worker is struck by a vehicle, which could be a work or private car.

Trips, Slips, and Falls

The second most common source of fatal workplace accidents involves slips, trips, and falls. Slick floors, loose tiles, fraying carpet and poor lighting can lead to a slip and fall. Slip and fall incidents can lead to major injuries to an individual’s back and/or head, and depending on the age of the worker who fell, the injuries could be fatal. These can be due to the following:

  • Missing or broken railings, stairs, or ladders
  • Inadequate or missing signage
  • Standing water or other slippery surfaces
  • Unsafe scaffolding
  • Broken or cracked concrete and asphalt
  • Torn carpeting

A trip, slip, or fall can result in death or serious injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments and tendons, concussions, and spinal injuries.

Exposure to Toxic Substances and Environmental Hazards

According to the BLS, another leading cause of fatal workplace accidents in 2017 was toxic substances and environmental hazards. These injuries can be caused by the following:

  • Paint
  • Chemical fumes
  • Acids
  • Mercury
  • Lead
  • Exhaust
  • Pesticides
  • Solvents
  • Glues
  • Asbestos

Toxic substances can lead to sudden injury, but prolonged exposure can also lead to serious illnesses that result in death. You should also be aware that certain environmental hazards can also lead to illnesses and death, including:

  • Poor ventilation
  • Mold
  • Animal excrement
  • Human waste and other bodily fluids

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is an often-overlooked source of workplace injuries. This can include violence among co-workers, and is also prevalent among those who deal with the public at large. Health care workers are especially at risk.

How to Prevent Workplace Accidents in Florida

The following steps can help prevent fatal workplace accidents:

  • Proper training. Employers need to routinely train managers and staff regarding how to use safety equipment, how to identify potential hazards, and what to do in the event of an accident.
  • Ensure that safety equipment is installed and used properly. Training isn’t very worthwhile if employees don’t have the proper safety equipment. More importantly, they have to actually use it. Using proper safety equipment can help prevent fatal workplace accidents.
  • Post proper signage. Proper signage alerts employees to potential hazards and reminds them to be safe.
  • Keep up with maintenance and repairs. Keeping machinery, vehicles, and work areas in good repair prevents accidents caused by lack of maintenance.
  • Report potential hazards and unsafe conditions. Promptly report any issues to management so that they can be addressed. If they do not respond, elevate your concerns and document them for future reference.

Hurt at Work? Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney for Help Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident in the Fort Lauderdale area, you need someone on your side to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. The David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. is here to help you understand your options and work through the process so that you can move on with your life.

If you would like to schedule a free, initial case consultation, fill out the online contact form.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
Google Review
“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
Google Review
“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
Google Review
“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
Google Review
“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
Google Review