REDUCED FATALITIES HIGHLIGHT PREVENTABLE DEATHS
The number of workplace fatalities in the United States dropped 5% between 2012 and 2013, with 4,405 reported number of workplace fatalities compared to 4,628.
The most common workplace accidents that result in fatalities include:
- Transportation accidents caused 1,923 deaths
- Workplace violence caused 753 deaths
- Object and equipment contact caused 717 fatalities
- Falls, slips, and trips caused 699 deaths
Most of the deaths occurred in Texas, followed by California. Texas has had the most fatalities for 10 of the past 14 years. Hispanic and Latino workers experienced a 7% rise in fatalities, while other ethnic groups experienced a decline in worker fatalities.
EMPLOYERS CALLED TO STRICTER STANDARDS
The numbers show that while some industries have experienced a decline, there are many fatalities occurring that are completely preventable. Tracking these numbers can begin to paint a picture of what needs to be done to ensure complete worker safety in the United States. In response to this data, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has altered the requirements employers must follow in reporting hospitalizations and other injuries to the agency.
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury on the job, it is in your best interest to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss the ways that employers have a responsibility to their employees and how your employer failed to provide reasonable safety measures.
Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman have served the New York City area for over 50 years. Give our firm a call today to get started on your workers’ compensation claim!