Almost every employer in the state of Pennsylvania is required to carry a workers' compensation insurance policy. The policy is designed to provide benefits to workers who become injured or ill while working while they recover. To obtain these benefits a worker must first file a claim. States throughout the nation have similar workers' compensation requirements.

Workers throughout the nation are hurt while working each year while performing tasks in a wide variety of jobs. Recently, a business that provides Social Security Disability representation conducted a study that determined the most dangerous states for workers. Though it was not determined to be the first state on that list, Pennsylvania did appear in the top five. It tied for that position with eight other states.

The type of jobs that most often led to workplace injuries was also researched. The study found that those rankings varied from state to state. Nationwide, the most dangerous job is one that takes place at an amusement park or arcade. Interestingly, construction accidents, which we often write about, did not make the top 10.

Workers compensation benefits provide a usually much needed source of income for workers who are unable to work after being injured or fall ill due to something at work. The length of time such benefits will be granted depends on a variety of factors including the severity of the illness or injury and the length of time it will take for the worker to recover. When the injury makes it impossible for the worker to return to work it may be able for that individual to seek long-term benefits via SSDI benefits.

Source: Time, “The Most Dangerous States To Work In America—And The Most Dangerous Jobs To Have In Them,” Gary Belsky, July 23, 2013