The number of workplace deaths caused by occupational injury rose to 4,836 fatalities in 2015, a slight increase from the previous year.
If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. The skilled workers’ compensation attorneys at Henness & Haight will pursue your legal claim and work to maximize compensation for your family. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and will review your claim through a free, no-obligation consultation.
According to the annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers suffered the highest number of fatal workplace injuries, with 743 deaths.
- Workers killed after being struck by objects or equipment totaled 519 fatalities; mining machinery accidents accounted for 54 equipment-related deaths.
- The private manufacturing sector experienced 353 fatal workplace injuries. This was the highest total in the industry since 2008.
- Approximately 25 percent of all 2015 workplace fatalities were roadway incidents.
The CFOI report also detailed increases in deaths for age groups, demographics, and ethnicities:
- Hispanic and Latino workers suffered 903 fatal occupational injuries in 2015, the highest recorded number for the ethnic group since 2007.
- African-American workers suffered the highest rate of fatal workplace injuries with 496 fatalities in 2015, the highest since 2008.
- Workers aged 45-years or older accounted for 58 percent of workplace fatalities in 2015, but only consisted of 45 percent of all hours worked.
- Workers aged 65-years or older totaled 650 workplace deaths due to occupational injuries. This was the second-highest year on record since 1992.
The U.S. Secretary of Labor has stated these deaths illustrate the pressing need for the nation’s employers to protect workers by providing safe working environments.