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Working in a high-risk occupation like construction or trucking increases your chances of being in an accident compared to a traditional desk job. While employers in nearly every state are required to carry workers’ compensation for employees, it’s always smart to stay prepared.1 Read on to learn some ways you can help avoid accidents on the job, and how to stay prepared in the event that they do happen, including getting an accident insurance policy.
What makes an occupation high-risk?
Any occupation that carries a higher likelihood of workplace emergencies or hazards could be considered a high-risk job. Many industries have potentially high-risk jobs, from manufacturing and construction to working with hazardous waste or in areas with extreme weather. Some of the most high-risk industries include:2
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
- Transportation and warehousing
- Construction
- Wholesale trade
- Manufacturing
How to stay prepared in high-risk occupations
If you work in a high-risk job, it would be wise to take precautions and prepare in the event of an injury, especially if you have a family or people who depend on you. Here are a few ways to help stay prepared:
1. Review and understand relevant standards and regulations
Employers are required to build a safety program that helps you understand the standards and regulations for your particular line of work. However, it’s your responsibility to understand and apply those standards and regulations. Pay close attention during any employer-provided trainings, especially if your job site is incorporating new technologies or methodologies.
Safety training will help give you an understanding of workplace safety protocols, so you have proper personal protective equipment (PPE), know how to respond in emergencies, and stay safe on the job.
2. Complete relevant training
Employers will provide basic training, but it may be a good idea to pursue your own safety training that’s relevant to your specific role, as well. Some potential courses may include:3
- Core compliance training
- Confined space training
- Safe diver training
- Respiratory protection training
- Pipeline safety training
- NORM/TENORM radioactivity training
Your employer may offer trainings or may provide reimbursement if you pursue the training on your own.
3. Study your Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers in high-risk industries to have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP).4 A typical emergency action plan takes into account physical or chemical hazards from inside or outside the workplace that could lead to an emergency. It then describes how workers must respond to different types of emergencies based on the worksite layout, structural features, and available emergency systems.
Studying the employer-provided EAP is essential, but it’s also a good idea to consider how your specific role relates to the EAP. As you perform your job, familiarize yourself with emergency systems and think about how protocols relate to your specific role.
4. Apply for an individual accident insurance policy
Finally, you might ask, “is accident insurance worth it?” While most employers in high-risk industries are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, that’s not always the case. In situations where workers’ compensation isn’t available, accident insurance can help fill coverage gaps by helping with unexpected expenses. Additionally, an individual accident insurance policy may be worth it if:
- You want additional financial assistance in the event of a qualifying accident.
- You’re ineligible for workers’ compensation through your employer.
- You’re self-employed and don’t have employees, meaning workers’ comp is not required.
In some cases, you may receive both workers’ compensation and accident insurance benefits. If your employer offers accident insurance as part of a benefits package, it may be worth enrolling if you work in a high-risk occupation. Otherwise, purchasing an individual accident insurance policy may be a wise decision if you freelance or run your own business in a high-risk occupation.
The bottom line
You can’t plan to have an accident. You can, however, stay prepared, especially if you work in a high-risk occupation. By taking safety precautions and familiarizing yourself with workplace safety and emergency protocols, you can help reduce the likelihood of getting into a workplace accident. Likewise, with an accident insurance policy, you may receive additional financial support when you’re hurt in a covered workplace accident.
Sources:
1 SHRM – Understanding Workers’ Compensation. Updated December 19, 2023. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/toolkits/understanding-workers-compensation. Accessed May 28, 2025.
2 Forbes – 10 Most Dangerous U.S. Careers Heading Into 2025, Study Reveals. Updated December 3, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2024/12/03/10-most-dangerous-us-careers-heading-into-2025-alarming-study-reveals/. Accessed June 25, 2025.
3 Veriforce – A Guide to Safety Training in High-Hazard Industries. Updated July 11, 2024. https://veriforce.com/blog/a-guide-to-safety-training-in-high-hazard-industries. Accessed May 28, 2025.
4 OSHA – Emergency Preparedness and Response: Getting Started. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/getting-started. Accessed May 28, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Accident, A36000 series: In Idaho, Policies A36100ID–A36400ID, & A363OFID. In Virginia, Policies A36100VA – A36400VA, & A363OFVA. A37000 series: In Delaware, Policy A371AA & A371BA. In Oklahoma, Policy A37000OK. In Virginia, Policies A371AAVA & A371BAVA. A38000 series: In Delaware Policies A38100DE – A38300DE, In Oklahoma A38100OK – A38300OK
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Accident, T37000 series: In Delaware, Policy T37000. In Idaho, Policies T37100ID, T37200ID, & T37300ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T37000OK. In Virginia, Policies T37100VA, T37200VA, T37300VA, T37400VA & T37600VA.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z500426 EXP 6/25
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