Digging deep into deadly work-related deaths

Blue collar professionals, particularly those in the manufacturing and construction industries, face daily dangers that could result in career-ending injuries. While they understand the risks related to their professions, their respective employers should maintain the highest standards of safety. Their lives literally depend on them.

Startling fatal accident statistics

The U.S. Workplace Accident Report released a study conducted by NiceRx.com to identify risks and various characteristics of fatal workplace injuries. Using data from 2018, they found that 5,250 workers lost their lives while plying their respective trades.

Specific breakdowns reveal the following:

• Males accounted for a vast majority (92.1 percent) of fatal injuries
• Trauma to the head ranked first with 992 deaths with catastrophic trunk injuries second at 826
• Age demographics showed that 45 – 54 (1,114) and 55 – 64 (1,104) had the most fatal injuries, with both accounting for 42 percent of job-related deaths

Construction topped all other trades, with worksites seeing 1,008 fatal injuries. Additional industries included:

• Transportation/warehousing – 874
• Natural resources/mining – 704
• Agricultural/forestry/fishing/hunting – 574

Days and months most likely for deadly accidents

Research also revealed the specific days and months when employees were most at risk. Fatal workplace injuries are most likely to occur on a Thursday. The total fatalities reported on that day were 922. Remaining days revealed the following:

• Wednesday – 906
• Monday/Tuesday – 852
• Friday – 826
• Saturday – 551
• Sunday – 341

The month of August ranked first in workplace accidents with 493 fatal injuries, followed by:

• July – 488
• May – 475
• June – 472
• February – 369
• December – 353

While accidents will likely happen on any work site, employers must ensure that safety comes first in the workplace. Shortcuts to save a few dollars can have severe consequences beyond their companies’ reputations. Grieving families are emotionally devastated and fear a future without a loved one who was also the primary wage earner.