By HFT Staff

Healthcare is known as one of the most dangerous professions. Amid the pandemic, in 2020 U.S. healthcare workers experienced a staggering 249 percent increase in injury and illness rates. Those working in healthcare tend to have higher risk factors, including environmental hazards, burnout and even violence. 

New research conducted by experts at High Rise Financial reveals Northern U.S. states have the highest rates of people involved in workplace accidents. Across the top three states in the research - Maine, Oregon, and Vermont - healthcare is one of the most popular professions. 

Maine is found to have the highest rate of workplace accidents, with 4.7 out of every 100 full-time workers involved in nonfatal work injuries and illnesses. This is 67.8 percent higher than the yearly average. 

In Maine, the most recent data shows 15,890 people of 592,000 registered employees (2.68 percent) are Home Health and Personal Care Aides, and 14,380 people of 592,000 (2.43 percent) are Registered Nurses. These professions are the second and third most popular professions in the state. 

Below, High Rise Financial highlight the five most common causes of workplace injuries that would be eligible for pre-settlement funding:  

Slip and fall accidents  

• If someone failed to place warning signs around slippery areas or left debris in a walkway, you could easily fall because of their carelessness. Slip and fall accidents can result in a back injury, broken bones or a concussion.  

Malfunctioning equipment  

• Many jobs involve machinery that could be faulty or worn down. Manufacturers and maintenance personnel are obligated to ensure that the work equipment you use will not cause injuries like accidental amputation or burns.  

Inadequate training  

• Your employer is responsible for training you on all the processes necessary to do your job safely. If you are injured because this training was not provided or was inadequate, they may be liable for your losses.  

Exposure to harmful substances  

• Contact with dangerous chemicals, excessive radiation levels or scalding liquid can lead to severe burns or even long-term illnesses such as cancer. Your employer, supervisor and co-workers must all follow proper safety procedures to ensure you are not injured at work by these substances.  

Excessive noise  

• A consistently loud environment like a factory or construction site can impact your short-term and long-term hearing. Employers must provide workers with training and proper protective equipment to guard against hearing damage that could affect your quality of life.