What are the Leading Causes of Workplace Fatalities in the USA?

Leading Causes of Workplace Fatalities and Deaths

The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that one worker loses his or her life every 111 minutes across the country from a work-related injury. Last year, there were 4,764 fatal occupational injuries, which reflected a 10.7% decrease from the previous year.

Our experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at the Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. believe the key to a continued decline in these tragic accidents is understanding how they occur in North Carolina workplaces.

The more both employers and employees know about workplace dangers, the more prepared they can be to prevent them.

Transportation Incidents Account for 40% of All Workplace Fatalities in the U.S.

Occupations that rely on heavy equipment, vehicles, or large trucks to flourish have an increased potential for transportation incident injuries or death. The most common incidents reported were workers being hit or run over, getting crushed under an overturned vehicle, or falling from moving equipment.

The reason transportation incident fatalities are so high is more than one industry relies on these vehicles for their success. Agriculture, industrial, construction, and manufacturing industries all have high transportation fatality numbers.

Unfortunately, these fatal incidents are often preventable.

Workplace impairment, distractions from electronic devices, and the lack of safety education, training, or preventative measures can all lead to fatal transportation accidents.

Slips, Trips & Falls are the Second Leading Cause of Workplace Fatalities

According to the National Safety Council, slips, trips, and falls were the second leading cause of workplace death, accounting for 17% of all workplace deaths last year.

Slipping, tripping, and falling fatalities are prominent because they can happen anywhere, including from heights or on the same level.

Other important data revealed the following workplace fatality causes:

• 16% of all workplace fatalities were caused by violence and other injuries by persons or animals.
• 14% of all workplace fatalities were caused by contact with objects and equipment.
• 12% of all workplace fatalities were caused by exposure to harmful substances or environments
• 2% of all workplace fatalities were caused by fires and explosions.

If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the benefits you may be entitled to. 

Contact Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina For Help Today

Our dedicated workers’ compensation law firm provides free consultations to family members who have lost their loved ones in North Carolina workplace accidents by calling 704-376-1616 or contacting us online.

Our Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation attorneys and a skilled team of lawyers and support staff in Charlotte are here to manage each detail of your case. Ask Martha for Help Today.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.