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. Continue reading