Every year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles a number of work-related statistics, including fatal workplace injuries. The 2019 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) has revealed that there were 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019, a two percent increase from 2018. That translates to one worker dying every 99 minutes in 2019. These sobering statistics highlight the need to follow all workplace safety protocols.
We probably will not see data about how COVID-19 has impacted workplace fatalities for another year, especially because it’s difficult to trace where a worker may have contracted the virus. However, the industries below consistently top the list year over year.
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting. The logging and fishing industries share a disproportionate number of fatalities: 97.6 and 77.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, respectively. Logging deaths most often occur due to equipment and the logs themselves, while fishing deaths occur largely due to falls from boats. Agricultural workers are somewhat safer, with 24.7 fatalities per 100,000 FTE employees.
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers. As you may have guessed, transportation-related accidents are the leading cause of fatalities in the airline industry. They occur at a rate of 58.9 per 100,000 FTE workers.
- Roofing, iron and steel workers, and general construction workers often make this list. The fatality rates range from 21 to 51.5 per 100,000 FTE employees. Roofing is by far the most dangerous of these trades.
- Garbage collectors and other utility workers have a high rate of injury—around 44 per 100,000 FTE employees. Since garbage collectors in particular ride on and in trucks all day, there’s a strong possibility for injury.
- Transportation and warehousing. Truck drivers spend a great deal of time on the road, often in inclement weather, so it’s no surprise that they often top the list of workplace fatalities. They see a death rate of about 26 per 100,000 FTE workers.
For those who currently work in these industries, follow all workplace safety measures. If you’re injured in a workplace accident, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If your loved one was killed while working in a dangerous occupation, you may have grounds for workers’ compensation death benefits or a wrongful death claim. Be sure to talk to a personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney to see what your family is entitled to recover.
Discuss Your Case with an Ohio Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured on the job, especially when due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I can help. You deserve to recover workers’ compensation benefits or other damages. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me at 877.944.4373 to discuss your case.
