When employees are injured on the job, it can affect their ability to work in the future, as well as their general quality of life. Industries across the board have regulations in place to minimize the occurrence of workplace incidents. As a way to keep track of these injuries, the U.S. Department of Labor collects data regarding workplace injuries.
According to numbers released by Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national death rate of workers declined, while the actual number of deaths increased from 4,821 in 2014 to 4,836 in 2015. Maryland’s death rate ranked 43rd when compared to other states, making it one of the lowest in deadly workplace accidents. The number of fatal workplace incidents in the state dropped to 69 in 2015 from 74 deaths the year before.
The bureau also reported that of the 69 on the job deaths in the state, 66 were men. Approximately 38 percent involved transportation accidents, such as tractor trailer, pedestrian, train, motor vehicle and aircraft accidents. In fact in 2015, more truckers lost their lives while on the clock than any other American worker. In addition, people employed in private construction also had a high risk of death at work.
Employers have a responsibility to create a safe workplace for all of their employees. When people become injured or lose their lives in a workplace accident, the employer may be to blame. Victims of work-related incidents may wish to speak with an attorney regarding their legal options.