U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Releases 2016 Workplace Deaths Report

The BLS recently released a workplace deaths report revealing shocking results; fatal workplace injuries and illnesses increased by seven percent from 2015 to 2016. In fact, the 5,190 workers who were killed in work-related accidents last year accounted for the highest rate of workplace deaths since 2008. With the efforts of OSHA, and countless workplace safety campaigns popping up nationwide each year, this substantial increase is sobering.

According to the BLS, traffic incidents were the number one cause of workplace deaths, accounting for about 40 percent of all fatal work accidents. The other top causes were violence (including suicides and homicides) at 17 percent, falls at 16 percent, contact with objects and equipment at 15 percent, and exposure to harmful substances at 10 percent. A Boston work injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured on the job.

Deadliest Industries

Not surprisingly, construction and industrial workplaces ranked highest for on-the-job fatalities. The breakdown of the most deaths by industry for 2016 is as follows:

  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Agriculture (forestry, fishing, and hunting)
  • Government
  • Waste management
  • Manufacturing
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Mining
  • Oil and gas extraction

Jobs with Most Fatalities

According to the BLS report, logging may be the nation’s deadliest occupation. For every 100,000 workers, there are more than 135 fatalities. The other deadly jobs include:

  • Fishers
  • Pilots
  • Roofers
  • Garbage collectors
  • Steel workers
  • Truck drivers
  • Farmers

Any job can be hazardous, but the jobs above pose an increased risk of serious injury or death. A MA work injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured in a work-related accident.

How to Stay Safe at Work

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most common work hazards include:

  • Working at high levels
  • Chemical exposure
  • Electrical hazards
  • Forklifts
  • Lockout / tagout
  • Confined spaces

Although the above hazards cannot be altogether eliminated from certain jobs, the risk to workers can be dramatically reduced when employees are provided with proper safety equipment and training.

Avoid Cutting Corners

According to NSC Consultant, Namir George, cutting corners is often to blame for work accidents. He believes that workers are most at risk when they are compelled to work quickly.

“What dictates their activity is production,” said George. “They’re all under pressure, and when you’re under pressure, you start taking shortcuts.”

  • Anyone who works at high levels should be equipped with proper fall protection gear.
  • Walkways should be kept free of clutter and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
  • Forklifts should never be driven with too large of a load.
  • Proper lockout / tagout procedures should always be followed when working with electrical machinery.
  • Anyone working with or near dangerous chemicals should be equipped with appropriate safety gear and fully trained in the use of those specific chemicals, and the facility should be properly ventilated.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Work Injury Law Firm

If you have been injured on the job, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of MA workers for more than 50 years. It is our goal to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get back to work and on with your life. Most work injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation, but even a minor application error can result in delayed or reduced benefits. In some cases, workers don’t receive any benefits at all. Further, if negligence played a role, you may be entitled to additional compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. Don’t go through this difficult time alone, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case

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