Workplace fatalities are always devastating for the friends and family members left behind. Unfortunately, this occurs more often than it should. Workplace fatalities often occur as a result of poisoning, faulty machinery, truck accidents, exposure to harmful substances, fires, falls, traffic and more. Though the number of workplace fatalities changes by occupation, industry, and state, accidents caused by transportation are incredibly common, as are fatalities related to the exposure of dangerous substances and construction accidents.
Regardless of your workplace, there is a chance of getting injured. Workers get injured or become ill, while some may even experience life-threatening conditions. If you lost a family member due to a workplace accident, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
How Often Do Workplace Fatalities Occur?
According to the International Labour Organization, 2.3 million people are victims of workplace fatalities annually worldwide.
Worldwide, about 340 million occupational accidents, including accidents leading to the death of victims, occur yearly. Some interesting statistics from ILO’s major findings on workplace fatalities include:
- Hazardous substances cause 651, 279 yearly deaths.
- The construction industry has the highest rate of recorded accidents.
Workplace Fatality by Occupation
According to The United States Bureau of Labour Statistics, in 2019, different occupations were assessed for their fatality rates. From this information, the top 10 occupations with the highest rate of workplace fatalities were collated.
The following is a list of those 10 occupations, including the number of deaths that occur per 100,000 workers.
- Fishers and fishing-related workers – 145
- Logging workers – 68.9
- Pilots and aerospace engineers – 61.8
- Roofers – 54
- Construction tradesmen – 40
- Refuse collectors – 35.2
- Drivers – 26.8
- Iron and steel workers – 26.3
- Farmers, ranchers, and farm managers – 23.2
- Grounds maintenance workers – 19.8
Based on this data, these occupations were then grouped by industries, so the industries with a high incidence of workplace fatalities can also be known.
Workplace Fatality By Industry
- Construction industry
- Transportation and warehousing industry
- Agriculture industry
- Government agencies
- Retail industry
- Leisure and hospitality industry
Workplace Fatality By State
Data from the National Safety Council shows all the workplace fatalities-related deaths in all states in the U.S. Below are the states with the 5 highest and states with the 5 least workplace fatalities in 2020.
States with the most workplace fatalities
- Texas – 469.
- California – 463.
- Florida – 275.
- New York – 223.
- Georgia – 193.
States with the least workplace fatalities
- Rhode Island – 5
- Delaware – 7
- Vermont – 8
- District of Columbia – 13
- New Hampshire -14
Texas accounted for most of the workplace deaths in the United States. This number can be attributed to its booming construction and oil and gas industries, which have been implicated as occupations with a high incidence of workplace fatalities.
Updated Workplace Fatality and Injury Statistics In 2022
Keeping informed about the most recent statistics concerning workplace fatalities and injuries is vital for understanding and addressing potential risks. It offers key insights that prompt proactive strategies to ensure safety at work. Here’s what recent data tells us:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shares data for 2022, shedding light on fatal work injuries and the ongoing need for robust safety measures.
In 2022, the United States witnessed a total of 5,486 fatal work injuries, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This alarming statistic translates to a worker dying every 96 minutes from a work-related injury, compared to every 101 minutes in 2021. These statistics highlight the essential role of safety measures in workplaces, and underline our need to consistently seek advancements in strategies that safeguard workers.
Transpotation incidents continued to be the leading cause of work-related fatalities, accounting for 37.7% of all occupational deaths. Specifically, there were 2,066 fatal injuries from transportation incidents in 2022, reflecting a 4.2-percent increase from the 1,982 incidents recorded in 2021. This area continues to be a point of significant worry, underscoring the need for specialized safety measures within transportation and logistics operations.
The construction and extraction sector faced the second-highest number of fatalities, with 1,056 workers losing their lives in 2022. This statistic places construction workers among the most at-risk groups, emphasizing the need for stringent safety standards and training within the industry.
Unintentional overdoses while at work caused by nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol have risen sharply – an alarming 619% climb since 2011. In total, work-related overdose deaths shot up to 525 in the year 2022 alone, representing approximately 9.6% of all occupational fatalities in that period.
Further insights come from the 2023 Traveler’s Injury Impact Report, which found that approximately a third (34%) of workplace injuries occur during an employee’s first year on the job. Industries such as restaurants, construction, and transportation are particularly affected, though manufacturing and wholesale sectors are also vulnerable. These injuries not only impact the well-being of employees but also account for a significant portion of workers’ compensation costs.
Among the various types of incidents, slips, trips, and falls stand out, resulting in workers being sidelined for an average of 83 days. Motor vehicle accidents also have a profound impact, with affected employees absent for an average of 79 days. These statistics highlight the need for comprehensive safety training and awareness programs, especially for new hires
Looking back at the numbers from 2022, it’s evident that maintaining safety within workplaces continues to be a critical issue. The incidence of fatal work injuries rose and novice workers experienced a disproportionate number of accidents, signaling an imperative need for improved safety measures and thorough training.
Contact A Washington D.C. Work Injury Lawyer Today
If you lost a loved one due to a workplace-related injury, it’s important to contact a Washington D.C. work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation. We will do everything we can to ensure you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.