Industries With the Most Fatal Injuries Per Year
Each year, thousands of workers across the U.S. face dangerous conditions in their workplace that result in death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, one worker died every 96 minutes from a work injury. This means that in that year, more than 5,000 workers died from a work-related injury. Unfortunately, work-related deaths occur in almost all industries. Regardless of how safe a work environment seems, workplace deaths can still happen. However, while work-related deaths can occur in any industry, some industries are more prone to fatal injuries due to the nature of work, work environment, or types of equipment or machines involved. Understanding which industries have the most fatal injuries can help employers and employees work towards reducing the likelihood of fatal incidents, ultimately saving lives. Below is a look at some of the industries with the most fatal injuries per year in the U.S.
- Construction
According to statistics, in 2022, the construction industry experienced the highest number of workplace deaths. Commonly referred to as the “Fatal Four,” the leading causes of death in the construction industry include falls, being struck by objects, being caught by/in-between accidents, and electrocution. Construction workers are most likely to slip on ladders, scaffolding, and roofs, get struck by heavy machinery or falling debris, become caught by or in between moving equipment or structures, or suffer electrocution from faulty equipment or wiring. Strict safety measures, proper training, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce the risk of fatal accidents among construction workers.
- Transportation
The transportation industry ranks high in fatal workplace injuries. Driving-related hazards are the leading cause of death among workers in the transportation industry. Truckers, delivery drivers, and other workers who operate motor vehicles frequently face dangerous conditions on the road, such as driver fatigue, poor weather, heavy traffic, and long hours, all of which can cause fatal motor vehicle accidents.
- Warehousing
In warehousing, fatal injuries can be caused by, among other things, forklift accidents, being struck by objects, chemical spills, and exposure, falls from heights, being caught by/in between equipment, and vehicle accidents. Proper training, PPE, and safety protocols are essential to reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents in warehouses.
- Manufacturing
Manufacturing involves several hazards, including heavy machinery, complex machinery, and harmful materials or chemicals. Workers in manufacturing are at a high risk of suffering fatal injuries due to equipment malfunctions, being caught by/in between machines, or suffering burns or respiratory issues from hazardous substances. The combination of these dangers, alongside repetitive tasks and the fast-paced work environment, makes the manufacturing industry one of the most dangerous.
- Fishing, Hunting, Forestry, and Agriculture
Fishing, hunting, forestry, and agriculture involve significant risks, including unique outdoor risks. Common causes of death among workers in these industries include animal-related injuries, extreme environmental conditions, physically demanding tasks, long working hours, being struck by heavy equipment, and being caught by/in between machinery. Adequate safety training and PPE are crucial for reducing the risks associated with the fishing, hunting, forestry, and agriculture industries.
You Have Legal Rights
Workers and their loved ones have legal rights after a work-related injury or death. An injured worker or the family of a deceased worker can file a workers’ compensation claim and seek compensation. Our skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/fatal-work-injuries-up-in-2022.htm#:~:text=A%20worker%20died%20every%2096%20minutes%20from%20a%20work%2Drelated%20injury%20in%202022.
