Workplace Fatalities Increase

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, there were over 5,000 workplace fatalities, a seven percent increase over 2015.

One in four workplace fatalities were related to transportation incidents, the leading factor in lost lives, followed by violence in the workplace which rose 23 percent last year.

The opioid crisis leaves no stone unturned and drug related fatalities in workplaces across the country have also increased. In fact, drug related fatalities at work have risen 25 percent since 2012.

Unfortunately, 2016 marks the third consecutive increase in worker fatalities, and the third highest since 2008. For many groups of workers in the country, work is becoming more dangerous and deadly.

Statistics released by the National Safety Consul reveal that not only certain types of workplace accidents lead to fatalities, but also that some groups are more vulnerable than others :

• Overdoses from the non-medical use of drugs or alcohol while on the job increased from 165 in 2015 to 217 in 2016, a 32 percent increase.
• Deaths among workers aged 55 or older totaled 1,848 – a 10 percent increase.
• Deaths among black or African-American, non-Hispanics increased 18.6 percent, totaling 587.
• Deaths among Asian, non-Hispanic workers increased 40.4 percent, totaling 160 deaths.
• Fall, slip and trip deaths increased 6 percent, totaling 849 deaths.
• Transportation incidents remained the most common fatal event, totaling 2,083 deaths.
• Homicides increased 19.9 percent now totaling 500 deaths.

If you or a family member is injured at work, contact the Iowa workers’ compensation personal injury law offices of John T. Hemminger for assistance. We can help you get the benefits you need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and disability in the event you cannot return to work or are limited in your professional duties due to your injuries.  If you are dealing with the loss of a loved family member who suffered a fatal work accident, we will work to protect children and family members in need of financial help.  Contact our Des Moines offices today at 515-283-2116.