Reviewed By: Personal Injury Team Last Updated: July 30, 2026
While no career path is entirely risk-free, certain workplaces carry significantly higher hazards. Every year, millions of American workers face job-related illnesses, severe injuries, and unexpected workplace accidents.
If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, knowing your rights under South Carolina Workers’ Compensation law—or federal maritime law—is the first step toward securing the medical care and financial relief you deserve.
Most Dangerous Occupations by Injury & Fatality Rates
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), worker hazards fall into two main categories: high rates of fatal workplace injuries and high rates of nonfatal injuries resulting in lost workdays.
Occupations with the Highest Fatal Injury Rates
The BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries highlights these as the nation’s most hazardous professions:
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Logging workers and commercial fishing/maritime crews
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Roofers and structural iron/steel workers
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Refuse and recyclable material collectors
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Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
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Heavy truck drivers and tractor-trailer operators
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Construction laborers and trade helpers
Occupations with High Nonfatal Injury & Illness Rates
In terms of total volume of nonfatal injuries involving days away from work (DAFW), the following roles consistently report high incident rates:
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Transportation & material moving (truck drivers, stockers, warehouse workers)
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Nursing assistants, registered nurses & healthcare aides
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General maintenance, repair workers & janitorial staff
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Construction laborers & trade workers
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Retail clerks & order fillers
Common Workplace Injuries in 2020
On-the-job injuries vary in severity, from minor to life-altering. Unfortunately, some injuries even result in wrongful death. Our Charleston personal injury lawyers have compiled this list of the most common workplace injuries, based on 2020 data from OSHA and the Department of Labor.
- Overexertion
- Repetitive motion injuries (ex: carpal tunnel)
- Slip and fall accidents
- Struck by moving object
- Collision with stationary object
- Electrocution
- Entanglement
- Car accident or truck accident
- Falls from heights
- Workplace violence
Top Causes of On-the-Job Injuries
Workplace injuries range from temporary strains to life-altering conditions or tragic wrongful deaths. OSHA and the Department of Labor categorize the primary causes of workplace injuries as follows:
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Overexertion & Bodily Reaction: Heavy lifting, pulling, pushing, or awkward lifting postures leading to severe back, shoulder, or spinal damage.
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Repetitive Motion Strain: Cumulative trauma injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or joint wear from continuous task repetition.
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Slips, Trips & Falls: Elevated falls from ladders or scaffolding, as well as same-level slips on slick, cluttered, or uneven surfaces.
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Contact with Objects & Equipment: Being struck by falling tools, caught in heavy machinery, or compressed by moving equipment.
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Motor Vehicle Collisions: On-the-job crashes involving delivery trucks, semi-trailers, or commercial fleet vehicles.
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Toxic Exposure & Workplace Violence: Chemical or environmental exposure, alongside assault or violence in high-stress work settings.
How Workers’ Compensation Protects You
South Carolina Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance system. This means you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits.
If your injury occurred during the course and scope of your employment, you are generally entitled to:
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100% Covered Medical Expenses: Doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions (from employer-approved doctors).
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Lost Wage Replacement (TTD/TPD): Typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage while out of work.
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Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for lasting impairment or loss of earning capacity.
Note: Standard Workers’ Comp does not pay for “pain and suffering.” However, if a third party—such as a negligent driver or equipment manufacturer—caused your injury, you may also have a separate personal injury lawsuit to recover full civil damages.
Special Protection for Port & Maritime Workers: The LHWCA
Charleston is home to one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. If you are injured on navigable waters, docks, wharves, or shipping terminals, standard state Workers’ Comp may not apply.
Instead, your claim likely falls under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). LHWCA claims involve specific procedural deadlines, distinct benefit structures, and federal jurisdiction.
Why Experience Matters: Not all personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of federal maritime law versus state Workers’ Comp. Hoffman Law Firm has extensive experience handling both.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Charleston
To protect your right to full benefits, take these steps immediately:
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Notify Your Employer in Writing: You have 90 days under SC law to report your injury to a manager or supervisor (not just a co-worker).
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Request Approved Medical Care: Seek care from your employer’s designated medical provider—emergency care is covered, but follow-up referrals must be authorized.
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Consult a Workers’ Comp Lawyer: If your claim is delayed, denied, or your benefits are miscalculated, file a formal claim (Form 50) with legal representation.
Call Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Charleston Today
It is important to contact your trusted Charleston Workers’ Compensation attorney as soon as possible after your injury. The sooner you get in touch and seek the appropriate medical care, the stronger your personal injury case will be.
Reach Hoffman Law Firm directly, $0 Upfront Attorney’s Fee, and a free consultation.
SOURCES & REFERENCES
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries & Nonfatal Injury Data
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Commonly Observed Hazards and Statistics
- South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC): Claims Process & Covered Benefits
- South Carolina Code of Laws: Title 42 – Workers’ Compensation (S.C. Code Ann. § 42-1-10 et seq.)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) Overview
LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Want to make sure your Workers’ Compensation claim is fully protected? Explore these related guides from Hoffman Law Firm:
- Fast Facts: The Most Common Workplace Injuries and How to Claim Workers’ Comp: An overview of compensable accidents, notice requirements, and employee rights under SC law.
- 8 Reasons Your Workers’ Comp Claim Can Be Denied In Charleston : Common grounds for claim denials and how to avoid costly procedural mistakes.
- 7 Benefits Covered by South Carolina Workers’ Compensation: An in-depth look at medical care, TTD/TPD wage replacement, and permanent disability coverage.
- 3 Tips for Filing a Longshoreman Workers’ Compensation Claim: Key guidance for port and maritime workers filing under the federal LHWCA.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every workplace injury and workers’ compensation claim is different. Eligibility for benefits depends on the facts of your case and applicable South Carolina or federal law. If you were injured at work, consult an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
