Preliminary details about fatalities reported to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) during calendar year 2016.
Information released by MIOSHA shows 44 workplace fatalities during 2016. This is a sharp increase from the 29 reported deaths in 2015. This data is published to help employers build hazard awareness and prevent risk for similar occurrences in the workplace.
The most frequent cause of death was from falls. It represented 23 fatalities or slightly more than 50%. Occupations include tree climber, owner, sanitation worker, truck driver, laborer, roofer, carpenter, electrician, ironworker, tree trimmer, fork list driver, painter, maintenance tech, farm hand.
Our law firm has represented many individuals who were hurt from a fall. Many of these accidents could have been avoided with better training and equipment. It is sickening that 23 people lost their lives and more needs to be done.
What can employers do to improve fall safety? MIOSHA awards grants on an annual basis for the development and implementation of safety programs across the state. This grant money paid off in 2015 when a horizontal lifeline system that had been purchased saved an employee who fell off bridge over a major highway.
OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign is also a wonderful resource. Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: Plan, Provide, Train.
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.
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Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by fred_v.
