The Occupational Safety and Health Administration often works in conjunction with the workers’ compensation system to ensure workers injured on the job are compensated. Although the main purpose of OSHA is to regulate places of employment, this agency can help workers who have been hurt on the job.
There are of course some jobs which are inherently dangerous. While policies are in place and attempts are made to minimize risk of injury or death, certain jobs are simply more dangerous to perform than others. When you think of this type of job you may immediately think of police officers, fire fighters and military personnel. These occupations are certainly dangerous and include a higher level of risk than your every day 9-5.
There are other jobs however which many people do not consider “risky” when in fact, individuals in these positions are exposed to more risk than other jobs. Medical personnel, EMT’s, mental health professionals and security guards are exposed to individuals who may not always be acting in a rational manner. This increases the chance of injury or even death while performing job duties.
Such is the case in a recent incident at an upstate New York residential substance abuse treatment center. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, “The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it cited the Renaissance Project for numerous violations of safety guidelines and has proposed $28,000 in fines”. This in response to situation where a patient fatally stabbed a guard and injured a nurse.
As you can see, the need for policies and proper training to prevent injury or death on the job are necessary regardless of the industry. In many cases jobs which many not appear to present hazards to dangers, are in fact risky occupations.
