Workplace fatalities are, unfortunately, all too common. The most recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor showed that in 2020, there were 4,764 fatal corporate injuries in the United States. This is a decrease of 10.7 percent from 5,333 in 2019. Last year, 3.4 out of every 100,000 full-time equivalents (FTE) employees suffered a fatal injury, down from 3.5 in 2019.
Despite these promising numbers, the leading cause of workers’ deaths remains a significant concern. So, what can businesses and workers do to prevent these tragic fatalities? One key strategy is workers’ compensation. This system of insurance provides employees with compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses and other benefits to workers in the event of a fatality.
Without further ado, let’s look at the leading causes of workplace fatalities and explore some effective strategies for preventing them.
- Slips, trips, and falls:
The National Safety Council stated that slips, trips, and falls were the second leading cause of workplace death last year, accounting for 17% of all such deaths. This is because workers exposed to hazards such as uneven surfaces, slick floors, and poor lighting are at risk of falling and getting injured or killed.
Employers can help prevent slips, trips, and falls in the offices by taking a proactive approach to safety. This includes ensuring workers access to proper safety equipment such as floor mats, non-slip shoes, and handrails.
- Transportation-related accidents:
Transportation-related accidents are another leading cause of such fatalities. According to OSHA, employees who spend significant time driving, operating heavy machinery, or working in hazardous conditions are particularly at risk.
To reduce the risk of transportation-related accidents, workers should always follow proper safety protocols when operating vehicles or equipment and keep a close eye out for potential hazards and risk factors in the workplace.
- Fires and explosions:
Fires and explosions are other significant causes of workplace fatalities, especially in the manufacturing, construction, and agriculture industries. These deadly incidents can be caused by a variety of factors, such as faulty electrical wiring and the use of flammable materials.
Businesses can minimize the risk of fires and explosions in their workplaces by ensuring workers have access to proper safety equipment, training them on fire prevention strategies, and regularly conducting safety inspections to identify potential hazards.
- Violence in the workplace:
Unfortunately, office violence is a serious and troubling issue claiming workers’ lives. According to the BLS, workers in protective service occupations were at the highest risk of corporate violence, accounting for 22% of workplace fatalities in 2018.
- Other factors:
Many other factors can contribute to workplace fatalities, such as inadequate training and supervision, exposure to toxic chemicals or substances, and lack of worker protection. However, the leading cause of these tragedies is workplace negligence and carelessness. Whether it’s an employer that doesn’t prioritize worker safety or workers who are distracted or complacent on the job, there are countless ways that people can become injured or killed in workplaces across the country.
How Worker’s Compensation Can Help?
Every business owner and the worker has a responsibility to take steps to prevent workplace fatalities and injuries. However, if tragedy strikes, workers’ compensation is essential for helping victims, and their families get back on their feet. By investing in workers’ comp insurance policies, businesses can ensure they have the resources to support injured or disabled workers. Furthermore, it can help cover medical expenses and provide financial support to families in the event of a workplace fatality.
So if you’re a business owner, you must take your responsibility to workers seriously and do all you can to prevent workplace fatalities. With the right resources and support, you and your employees can get through this challenging time and continue your journey toward a brighter future.