Worker Injuries and Deaths on the Rise

The United States Department of Labor released its annual, nationwide summary of fatal occupational injuries. The document, which was released in December 2016, details the types of injuries that resulted in fatalities, as well as the most dangerous occupations and incident locations.

The key findings of the census were that worker fatalities are on the rise. In 2015, there were a total of 4,836 fatal work injuries. This is the highest number of fatalities reported since 2008. The increase in worker fatalities appeared to have hit certain minorities harder than other groups. And, certain occupations were also more heavily impacted.

There were increased roadway fatalities. Truck drivers, especially for those hauling heavy loads or on tractor-trailers, experienced nearly 745 fatal truck-driving injuries. And, the private-based construction industry had nearly 1,000 worker fatalities, which was the highest amount in the last seven years.

While workers over the age of 65 saw an increase in workplace fatalities, some of the most staggering results impact African-American and Hispanic workers, along with workers from other countries. These groups incur the largest number of workplace fatalities out of any other. Employees from other countries, referred to as foreign-born workers, have suffered the highest number of workplace fatalities since 2007. A large number of these workers are from Mexico.

Every worker needs to be equally protected and have his or her safety ensured on a job-site. With numbers like this, it is clear that employers need to provide adequate protection to any and all workers.

OSHA’s report indicated that there are many different types of incidents and injuries that resulted in workplace fatalities. Some examples include workplace falls, being fatally hit by an object, electrical exposure, extreme temperature exposure, confined space incidents and being struck by machinery. What this appears to indicate is that employers need to provide more comprehensive, adequate protection to their workers, insuring that the worksites themselves are safe and well-maintained, as well as enforcing sufficient workplace training, supervision and equipment.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have a set of safety standards that details the legal responsibility of employers to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace to all workers. To view the complete safety standards, please click here.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Occupational Injuries

The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger have successfully represented clients who have suffered workplace injuries. If you or any of your loved ones have experienced such a situation, an attorney at Galfand Berger, LLP can help. With offices located in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.