Deaths from a workplace injury exceed 4,000 per year nationwide
On behalf of of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Injuries on Thursday, August 29, 2013.
Census figures show about 4,383 workers died from workplace injuries in 2012, and there were about 4,693 in 2011. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) findings, the country’s most dangerous occupations can be identified. For Illinois and nationwide, the highest incidence of workplace injury resulting in death is in the logging profession, which had 62 lumberjacks killed from workplace accidents last year. These workers usually harvest, cut and transport timber for processing into lumber, wood and paper products.
The logging industry recently replaced fishing-related jobs in the top spot, and fishing comes in second for 2012. There were 32 fishing-related work fatalities in 2012. This is an especially dangerous occupation, particularly Alaskan shell fishing, with heightened fatalities in recent years.
The third deadliest job belongs to airplane pilots, according to the BLS. Like loggers, pilots face the threat of malfunctioning machinery and falling heavy objects. There were 71 work-related fatalities of aircraft pilots and flight engineers in 2012. Paradoxically, some occupations that seem dangerous, like firefighting and tractor operation, are actually relatively safe. Some of the safest jobs are in the computer, mathematical and legal professions.
There are other interesting statistics. For example, 41 percent of all fatal workplace injuries happened in transportation incidents, including car accidents, overturned vehicles and plane crashes. Assaults and violent acts were listed as the cause of 18% of workplace deaths. Shootings were the most frequent manner of death in both. 668 workers died from being injured on the job due to slips, falls and trips in 2012. A total of 509 workers were fatally injured after being struck by equipment or objects on the job.
In virtually all instances, both in Illinois and nationwide, where a worker suffers a workplace injury he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This includes payment of medical expenses, along with lost wages for any time disabled and unable to work. Workers’ compensation insurance carriers generally monitor the duration of a worker’s disability very closely, and may try to compel an injured employee back to the job prematurely. If that happens, a worker may find it to be the right time to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney regarding his or her rights and obligations.
Source: Forbes, The 5 Deadliest Jobs In America: Forbes, Jacquelyn Smith, Aug. 23, 2013
