What Should You Know About Fatal Occupational Injuries?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a preliminary report on fatal work-related injuries for 2013. This information will be helpful in making industries safer for workers.

Below, the BLS provides some of the key findings for worker fatalities in the U.S. for 2013:

• There were 4,405 fatal work injuries, which is lower than the 4,628 fatalities that were recorded in 2012.
• 3,929 fatal injuries occurred in private industry.
• Hispanics or Latinos saw a 7 percent increase in worker deaths (797 deaths).
• 734 deaths involved contractors, which is 17 percent of the total number of fatalities.
• There are only five deaths of workers under the age of 16.
• Work-related suicides increased by 8 percent.
• One out of every six fatalities was due to workplace violence.
• Self-employed workers accounted for 892 deaths.

What Type of Incidents Led to Worker Deaths in 2013?

The BLS broke down the type of incidents that resulted in worker fatalities in 2013: 

• Fires and explosions—3 percent;
• Transportation incidents—40 percent;
• Violence and other injuries by persons or animals—17 percent;
• Contact with objects and equipment—16 percent;
• Falls, slips, trips—16 percent;
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments—7 percent.

If you lost a loved one in a work-related accident, it is important that you find legal representation to get you and your family compensation.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf