Most Common Workplace Fatalities
Thousands of people suffer fatal injuries in the workplace every year. In many cases, family members of victims of workplace fatalities are able to recover financial compensation for their loss. This article takes a look at some of the most common causes of job-related deaths that can give rise to claims for compensation.
OSHA’s “Fatal Four” for Construction Accidents
The federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regularly publishes statistics on workplace injuries and fatalities. Part of its regular publication includes a list of the “fatal four” for construction-related accidents. These are the four most-common causes of deaths on construction sites:
- Trips, Slips, and Falls – Over one-third of all construction site deaths result from falls.
- Impacts from Objects – Ten percent of fatalities result from equipment issues, falling tools and materials, and flying debris.
- Electrocutions – Faulty wiring and accidents during electrical installations account for nine percent of construction-related fatalities.
- Getting Stuck or Trapped – In a distant fourth, getting caught between objects or in dangerous locations is the next most-common reason for loss of life on construction sites.
- Other common causes of death in construction and non-construction occupations – exposure to harmful substances, defective products, environmental and weather conditions, violent assaults, and animal attacks.
Auto Accidents Remain the Most-Common Cause of Job-Related Deaths
When it comes to the single most-common cause of work-related deaths, many sources place auto accidents at the top of the list. From trucking accidents to fatal collisions during business travel, crashes are just as likely to occur when you are driving for work as when you are driving on personal time. Common causes of fatal vehicle collisions include:
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Negligence and recklessness
- Talking on the phone, texting, and other driving distractions
- Failure to yield
- Weather and road conditions
Additional Statistics on Workplace Fatalities
The following are some additional statistics on work-related deaths:
- Age – The vast majority of victims of workplace fatalities are between the ages of 35 and 64. Individuals in the 45-54 age group are the most likely to suffer fatal workplace injuries.
- Occupation – Not surprisingly, individuals employed in the transportation injury are the most likely to suffer job-related deaths. The construction industry is second, followed by management, maintenance and repair, farming, fishing, and forestry.
- Employment Status – More than three out of four fatalities involve full-time or part-time workers on wage or salary. Less than a quarter of victims of work-related deaths are self-employed.
Experienced Legal Representation for Family Members of Workplace Fatalities
Under Missouri law, family members of individuals who suffer job-related deaths can file claims for wrongful death, and they may also be eligible for survivor benefits under workers’ compensation. Each type of claim requires you to meet certain requirements, and the Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC can help you determine if you qualify. To schedule a free consultation, call (866) 519-0085 or contact us online today.
Thousands of people suffer fatal injuries in the workplace every year. In many cases, family members of victims of workplace fatalities are able to recover financial compensation for their loss. This article takes a look at some of the most common causes of job-related deaths that can give rise to claims for compensation.
