One of the most dangerous places to be in the workplace. Each year, thousands of people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania suffer serious injuries at work. These accidents keep workers away from their jobs for weeks and months, which can lead to the loss of a substantial amount of income.
Other workplace accidents are fatal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps information on workplace fatalities, and the leading cause of workplace deaths might surprise you.
Transportation Accidents Are the Leading Cause of Fatalities
The most recent statistics are for 2020. They show that transportation accidents led the way for fatalities—just as they did in 2019 and 2018. In fact, transportation incidents were by far the leading cause of death for workers.
Some people are surprised because few people drive as part of their job. Still, the transportation industry is dangerous. The good news is that transportation fatalities declined in 2020 compared to 2019 by over 16%. The COVID pandemic was the reason since fewer people were out on the road.
Other Leading Causes of Workplace Fatalities
In addition to transportation incidents, the following also caused large numbers of workplace deaths:
- Falls, slips, and trips. These accidents caused 805 fatalities in 2020 and include falls to a lower level or falls on the same level.
- Violence from a person or animal. There were 705 fatalities in 2020 due to violence.
- Contact with equipment or objects. In 2020, there were 716 fatalities. Examples include being hit by a forklift or getting caught between objects.
- Harmful substance exposure. Toxic substances caused 672 worker fatalities in 2020.
- Fires or explosions. There were 71 fatalities in 2020 caused by fires or explosions.
The Most Dangerous Industries
Unsurprisingly, the transportation industry saw the most fatalities in 2020, with 1,282 deaths. These numbers include those who drive motor vehicles, like truckers, as well as anyone who moves materials as part of their job. It also includes air transportation workers.
The second most fatal industry was construction, in particular construction trade workers. They often work high above the ground and can suffer fatal injury when they fall or when heavy items land on them. Construction is a heavily regulated industry—and for good reason. In addition to the 976 deaths in 2020, tens of thousands of construction workers suffer non-fatal injuries each year.
By contrast, those working in legal occupations saw the fewest deaths in 2020—only five. Computer and mathematical operations also saw only eight deaths for the year.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Workplace Accident?
Obtaining full compensation following a workplace accident is much harder than some people believe. Although you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you will be limited in the amount you receive. The same is true for those who lost a loved one in a workplace accident. Workers’ compensation provides a death benefit, but this benefit does not replace all the wages your loved one would have earned while living.
Contact Quinn Injury Lawyers today. We will do everything in our power to increase the compensation to provide for your family’s future.
