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Workplace fatalities increase for third year in a row in US

On Behalf of | Dec 27, 2017 | Workplace Injuries

When you are working hard at your job, the last thing that you should have to worry about is becoming injured. Unfortunately, workplace injuries are a reality for thousands of workers across the United States. What’s more, workplace accidents don’t only result in injury—they can sometimes lead to death.

A new report has revealed that workplace fatalities are all too common, and their occurrence is only increasing. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has released its Census of 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries, which summarizes the 2016 statistics of workplace fatalities. The census shows that last year the United States saw 5,190 workplace fatalities—a distressing seven percent increase since 2015.

Overall, the rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers increased from 3.4 in 2015 to 3.6 in 2016. This may not seem like a high figure, but it accounts for a worrying increase in workplace fatalities. According to the census report, 2016 was the third consecutive year in which fatal workplace injuries increased. The National Safety Council states that the number of fatalities has climbed to over 5,000 for the first time in a decade.

Fatalities in many fields

Several fields saw increases in fatal injuries in 2016, including food preparation, installation, hospitality, maintenance and even sales. The most dangerous industries as reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics are logging, fishing, aviation and roofing. The most common types of fatalities were transportation accidents, followed by workplace violence, fires or explosions and exposure to dangerous substances.

Legal recourse for workplace fatalities

Faced with these statistics, seeking justice for workplace fatalities may seem overwhelming. The families, friends and loved ones of people who have been killed in workplace accidents do have legal recourse, however. An attorney who has experience with workplace accidents, personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can help seek justice for the grieving families of workers who were killed.

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