According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, transportation-related incidents were responsible for approximately 38 percent of workplace deaths in one recent year. Meanwhile, incidents involving slips, trips, and falls contributed to another 16 percent of workplace fatalities. Although remote and hybrid jobs are more common, many American workers cannot do their work from home. And despite safety regulations, workplace fatalities are tragically frequent.
While nothing can replace a loved one, dependents may receive burial benefits and compensation. A lawyer familiar with Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws can be a valuable source of information and assistance for surviving family members.
What Are Some Other Causes of Workplace Fatalities?
According to the BLS, there were over 5,000 workplace fatalities in a recent year. The nation’s fatal work injury rate is 3.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. While more people died at work from transportation-related injuries and slip-and-fall accidents, these aren’t the only causes of workplace fatalities. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) has a public list of workplace deaths by occurrence and event:
- Transportation incidents – 38 percent
- Falls, slips, and trips – 16 percent
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments – 15 percent
- Workplace violence and other injuries by people or animals – 15 percent
- Contact with objects and equipment – 14 percent
- Fires and explosions – 1 percent
What Industries Have the Highest Number of Fatal Injuries?
Deadly workplace accidents can happen anywhere. But some industries are inherently more dangerous. Construction, transportation, and agriculture still lead the list of industries with the highest percentage of workplace fatalities. However, the explosion of consumers demanding products delivered to their door since the COVID-19 pandemic influences current statistics. Workplace deaths among truck, service, and delivery drivers jumped 16 percent in a year. There was also a 31 percent increase in fatal incidents in protection service jobs, such as police, fire, and transit workers, during the same time.
Here are the industries with the highest number of fatal workplace injuries in order:
- Construction
- Transportation and warehousing
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Hospitality and leisure
- Public administration and other services
- Wholesale trade
- Health and educational services
- Financial activities
What Occupations Have the Highest Rates of Workplace Deaths?
Certain occupations come with more significant risks due to the nature of the job and the environments in which they operate. There is potential for fatal workplace incidents in jobs that involve complex machinery, exposure to extreme weather, and working with harmful substances.
The deadliest occupations in the private sector are:
- Logging workers
- Commercial fish and hunting workers
- Roofers
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Iron and structural steel workers
- Truck drivers and driver/sales workers
- Sanitation workers
- Miners and other underground workers
- Construction workers and tradespeople
- Electrical power-line installers and repair workers
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the leading causes of death in the construction industry are falls, getting caught in or between equipment, struck-by incidents, and electrocution. These deadly types of workplace accidents are so common that OSHA refers to them as the “Fatal Four.”
How Does Virginia Rank in Workplace Deaths?
Workplace fatalities vary by state. According to recent data from the BLS, Texas had the highest number of workplace deaths, with 533 in a given year. The state with the lowest number of fatal workplace incidents was Rhode Island, with 5. Virginia’s workplace fatalities were somewhere in the middle, with 125 in a recent year.
Are These Workplace Deaths Preventable?
Workplace fatalities, while tragic, are often avoidable. Understanding why many of these deaths are preventable sheds light on the importance of implementing safety measures, providing adequate training, and fostering a culture of safety. Some of the ways workplace deaths could decrease include:
- Improved safety training – Employees, especially those new to a job, need comprehensive training about the potential hazards they might encounter and how to manage them safely.
- Sufficient safety gear – Proper safety equipment, like helmets, harnesses, and goggles, could dramatically reduce the occurrence or severity of many workplace injuries.
- Consistent supervision – Supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that employees follow safety protocols, wear the recommended equipment, and keep the workplace free of hazards.
- Safer workplace conditions – Correcting dangerous conditions, such as slippery floors, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning machinery, is essential.
- Comprehensive emergency plan – Workplaces should have an efficient plan for emergencies, including proper protocols, first-aid resources, and regular safety drills.
- Consistent training – Employers should follow OSHA and other required guidelines for refresher courses or training on updated safety protocols.
- Improved communication – Safety training and materials should be accessible in the languages of a diverse workplace to avoid communication barriers.
How Can a Lawyer Help If a Worker Is Killed While On the Job?
Fatal workplace incidents may occur despite strict safety guidelines. While financial compensation can’t even begin to make up for the loss of your loved one, it can help you recover from the economic costs and other losses you’ve suffered after a fatal workplace accident. If your loved one is tragically killed on the job, a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney can help you by:
- Reviewing the case and determining possible sources of compensation
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine the responsible parties
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim if applicable
- Pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit if a third party was responsible
- Calculating the money you’re owed to make up for your financial and emotional losses
- Seeking full and fair compensation for any losses you’ve suffered
- Filing claims correctly and on time so you can focus on working through your grief
Contact a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Losing a loved one is an emotionally overwhelming experience. If that loss occurs due to a workplace accident, the complexities of navigating the legal and compensation processes are an additional burden during a time of mourning. If you’ve lost a loved one in a workplace fatality in Virginia, talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer with Marks & Harrison. They can guide you through the process and help you recover the benefits you could receive as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or other eligible family member. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation.
