U.S. Department of Labor publishes Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries with 2015 data.
The U.S. Department of Labor has now released the Census of Fatal Occupational Injures (CFOI). This data covers occupational fatalities during 2015.
A total of 4,836 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States during 2015. This represents 3.38 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers.
We have reproduced some of the more interesting highlights below. Bringing attention to this data will hopefully result in greater workplace safety.
Highlights
Workers age 65 years and older incurred 650 fatal injuries, the second-largest number for the group since the national census began in 1992.
Roadway incident fatalities were up 9 percent from 2014 totals, accounting for over one-quarter of the fatal occupational injuries in 2015.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers recorded 745 fatal injuries, the most of any occupation.
Fatal falls to a lower level accounted for nearly 40 percent of fatal work injuries in the private construction industry in 2015.
Roofers had a fatal work injury rate of 39.7 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers (Chart 3).
Our 2 cents
Michigan has already seen 41 tragic workplace fatalities this calendar year. Many of these workplace accidents could have been prevented with better safety training and equipment.
Families only get $6,000 in burial expenses from workers’ compensation. Wage loss benefits are limited to a maximum of 500 weeks and only payable to dependent spouses and children. Pain and suffering is not available.
Our lawmakers must take action to improve workplace safety and fix our workers’ compensation laws. Additional penalties are also needed for employers who ignore safety concerns. We need to protect our most valuable resource, people.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
I’m sorry for your loss. Take $6,000 and go away.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by MarkWallace.
