Workplace injuries and occupational illnesses are responsible for the deaths of more than 53,000 workers every year in the U.S., reports Preventable Deaths 2014 (an in-depth report compiled and published by the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health – or National COSH).

Workplace injuries and occupational illnesses are responsible for the deaths of more than 53,000 workers every year in the U.S., reports Preventable Deaths 2014.

Additional facts and statistics regarding workplace deaths that were spotlighted in this report were that:

• The approximately 53,000 fatalities that occur annually due to workplace injuries and occupational illnesses are estimated to cost the U.S. economy nearly $46 billion each year.
• Nearly 4,400 workplace fatalities occurred as a result of sudden traumatic injuries in 2012. Researchers expect this number to jump up when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes some finalized data in the very near future.
• Taking some simple safety measures (like, for example, limiting workers’ exposure to silica in their work environments) can prevent the deaths of as many as 700 workers every year in the U.S.
• Over the past five years, workplace fatalities among Hispanic workers have been dramatically higher than for workers of other ethnicities.

Top Causes of Workplace Deaths Also Listed in National COSH Report

Also highlighted in Preventable Deaths 2014 were the top six causes of workplace deaths (based on data and information collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics). In order of most common to least common causes, these reportedly included:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Accidents related to equipment malfunctions and/or contact with equipment
• Falling accidents
• Workplace violence
• Exposure to toxic and/or harmful substances
• Explosions and fires.

While researchers who contributed to the development of the National COSH report will be updating their findings upon receiving finalized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they are encouraging employers throughout the nation to reenergize their focus on:

• Improving workplace injury and illness prevention programs
• Providing safety training to new employees, as well as to all workers on a regular basis
• Providing the appropriate safety equipment to workers.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick

If you have sustained a workplace injury and are considering (or in the process of) filing a workers’ compensation claim, you cannot rely upon your employer or insurance companies to look out for your best interests. In fact, both your employer and insurance companies will be more focused on their own bottom lines instead of your current and future wellbeing. This can make the system adversarial for injured workers and potentially even put them in situations in which their legitimate workers’ compensation claims are undercut or even flat-out denied.

In such cases, it’s essential that injured workers contact the Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals are experienced at going up against corporate lawyers and insurance companies, and we 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.