For some industries fatal workplace accidents are more common than others. Thankfully, the number of fatal injuries in the state have fallen over the last ten years. This phenomenon has occurred throughout the US.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines fatal workplace injuries from 2008 to 2017. In general, the trend is a slow march downward with 172 fatalities in the year 2017 from a high of 241 in 2008. Transportation incidents rank the highest at 35% with fatalities resulting from contact with equipment and objects coming in second with 20%.
The number one industry for fatal occupational injuries is the warehousing and private transportation sectors. The highest risk for fatal injuries occurred in long-distance general freight trucking. Construction workers accounted for a higher number than the average number of fatalities. Men have the highest risk of death from a workplace injury according to the statistics.
OSHA shows the number of fatal occupational accidents for the US in 2018 was 5,250. Of those, 21.1% were in the construction industry for private sector deaths. The most common causes include being caught-in or between, falls, electrocution and struck by an object. Falls remain the top risk for the industry at 33.5% out of the total deaths for construction.
The construction industry frequently violates the OSHA standards for fall protection. Other violations relate to scaffolding, ladders, respiratory protection, hazard communication, protection for the face and eyes and powered industrial trucks. Since the initiation of OSHA, the workplace has improved across all sectors for occupational deaths, injuries and illnesses.
Agreed! It’s just a shame that it took so long for workplace safety to become a priority.
Do you think this decrease is due to better regulations or better training?
It’s crazy to think that some people still have to make dangerous sacrifices just to make a living.
Yeah, we can always do better, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction that the numbers are going down.
That’s true, it’s up to all of us to ensure that our workplaces are safe for everyone.
That’s great to hear! Hopefully, this trend continues and workplace injuries become a rare occurrence.
But at least things seem to be moving in the right direction.
What do you think individuals can do to advocate for better workplace safety?
For sure! Progress is progress, no matter how small.
While it’s a lofty goal, it’s unlikely that we can completely eliminate all workplace injuries, but we should strive for that with every improvement we make.
Me too! It’s a good reminder that change is possible when we all work together for a common goal.
It’s most likely a combination of both, as well as increased awareness and enforcement.
My cousin works in a factory, so this news makes me a lot less worried about his safety on the job.
Wow, that’s great news to hear that fatal workplace injuries are decreasing each year!
It’s about time that companies are starting to prioritize the safety of their employees.
That’s a good question! I think industries like construction and manufacturing have historically had higher rates of workplace fatalities.
I’m just glad that we’re finally seeing some progress in this area.
But at least now we’re heading in the right direction.
I wonder if certain industries are seeing a bigger decrease in fatal injuries than others?
Individuals can start by reporting any unsafe conditions they see and pushing for better regulations and oversight.
But hopefully, with more focus on safety protocols and training, every industry is seeing a decline.
Do you think there will ever be a time when fatal workplace injuries are completely eliminated?