If there is one group of people who are often put at risk when they do their jobs, it’s journalists. These are people who are on the front lines of major events in history, from the collapse of buildings at a construction site to war zones.
Journalists often face injuries on the job, but the risks they face vary depending on the assignment. Historically, journalism has been dangerous, leading to journalists being taken prisoner out of the country or attacked while they try to broadcast live during a tense event.
Some believe that journalists may be at risk because hurting or killing them essentially ends the story. Fortunately, with the live television and streaming available today, that’s not often the case any longer. Even if a journalist is injured, the news continues on live.
It’s an unfortunate truth that some journalists are arrested, imprisoned or even tortured just for doing their jobs. Of course, there are the standard hazards as well, such as getting caught up in a dangerous storm, being hit by a car or suffering from stress-related injuries.
If a journalist is injured on the job, they are protected much in the same way as many other workers, as long as they are not freelancing at the time of the incident. When a journalist is employed by a specific television station or newspaper, they should have the same access to workers’ compensation benefits as other employees working there.
Once they’re injured, they should report the injury, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. They’re doing a major service for the community and nation, so they should be able to be taken care of.