Last week, there was a reminder in the news of the inherent dangers of being a TSA agent. A man recently breached a checkpoint and attempted to board an airplane at O’Hare International Airport. He was stopped by TSA agents, but not before he attacked police officers and the TSA agents trying to stop him. His motives were unclear, but this story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of being a TSA agency.
This story reminds us that every job has a unique set of challenges and relative dangers. In the case of these agents, their job placed them in the way of harm from another individual and while it may be tempting to think of their efforts to stop the man in terms of an action film, the reality is that they were performing their jobs and any wounds or injuries sustained in the attack would be require treatment. That treatment is covered by the DOL.
Whether you are at a regular risk of being assaulted by nefarious individuals with questionable reasons like police officers or TSA agents or you work in a sorting facility for the USPS, risk of injury is something to be constantly aware of. Your job has risks and those risks should be understood by employees. Do your homework and educate yourself on the potential risks inherent in any job you are considering. It will help you to make an informed decision about the level of risk that you are willing to undertake as an employee.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. Find DOL Doctors is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor or OWCP. See our editorial policy.