Depending on the industry in which they work, employees in New Mexico may be risking their life every day. Certain jobs are found to consistently be dangerous, resulting in serious injury and even death. Workers and employers in these working environments need to take extra precautions to make sure safety protocols are being followed in order to prevent fatalities.
According to Portside, logging is the most dangerous occupation in the country, resulting in a high rate of fatalities compared to other jobs. Employees who work in the fishing industry are also at a high risk for fatal and serious harm. The next two most dangerous jobs include aircraft pilots and roofers. The cause of death and injury varies depending on the specific job. For example, loggers work in highly physical environments, and getting hit by an object is the most common cause of fatalities. Both logging and fishing take place in remote locations, which makes it harder and longer to receive medical help.
While flying is relatively safe, pilots are affected by long hours and exhaustion. Roofers are more apt to slip and fall, resulting in a high rate of fatalities.
Business Insurance reports that there has been a surge of work fatalities in the past couple of years. The biggest increases were from overdoses and workplace violence. While companies continue to evaluate current safety programs to improve safety, there is a consensus that evaluating ways to fight the opioid crisis is imperative to combat the increased risks involved with drug abuse in the workplace.