Final answer:
Construction laborers are often more vulnerable to injuries and fatalities in work zone crashes, with a statistical record of 215 fatalities in 2013. A lack of proper safety measures and speeding vehicles are some contributing factors, and historical incidents such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire underline the importance of safety protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Injuries and fatalities in work zone crashes can affect multiple groups, but construction workers are often among the most vulnerable. For instance, the 2013 statistics reveal that of the many dangerous occupations, construction laborers hold a significant share with 215 recorded fatalities. Factors contributing to such high casualty rates include vehicles not adhering to speed limits, a lack of proper safety measures, and sometimes insufficient hazard signaling at the construction sites. Moreover, inadequate safety protocols may contribute to occupational hazards, as seen in historical events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, where locked exits and a lack of fire escapes led to the loss of many workers' lives.
Notably, the most hazardous professions aren't necessarily the ones with frequent media coverage, such as law enforcement. Instead, jobs like agricultural work and transportation have higher mortality rates. These statistics highlight the broad scope of potential hazards and underscore the necessity of preventative measures and safety regulations in these industries to reduce the number of work zone crashes and related accidents.