A report from the National COSH reveals statistics regarding workplace fatalities while recommending policy changes to help reduce these mostly preventable deaths.

A recent report compiled by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) has revealed some shocking statistics regarding workplace fatalities while also providing some critical recommendations as to what legislators and employers can do to help reduce these mostly preventable deaths. In this report, entitled Preventable Deaths: The Tragedy of Workplace Fatalities and released in April 2013, it is reported that, in 2011:

• Upwards of 4,600 workers suffered fatal workplace injuries
• 13 workers died each day on the job
• A disproportional number of temporary and immigrant workers suffer fatal workplace injuries, as these workers make up approximately 1 out of every 4 employees of the U.S. workforce and they are more likely to work particularly dangerous jobs or take jobs in especially risky industries
• More than 2 Latino workers fall victim to workplace fatalities each day

In light of these workplace death statistics, the executive director of National COSH has pointed out that, “each worker killed is a tragic loss to the community of family, friends and co-workers – and the worst part is, these deaths were largely preventable… as companies decry regulations and emphasize profits over safety, workers pay the ultimate price.”

Workplace Safety Topics in the April 2013 National COSH Report

In addition to providing some poignant workplace fatality statistics, the National COSH report also addresses a number of specific topics related to workplace safety. These topics include:

• The vulnerabilities of undocumented or immigrant workers in the U.S.
• Health and safety in the energy industry
• The effects of workplace violence
• Specific risks faced by workers in the agricultural industry
• Inappropriate and insufficient penalties for employers who violate safety regulations (especially those who are considered to be repeat offenders).

If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal workplace injury or if you have sustained a workplace injury, it’s essential that you contact the Colorado workers compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.