The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics issued a preliminary report in September finding that Connecticut had 26 workplace deaths in 2013. This was a decrease from the 36 reported in 2012. The United States suffered 4,405 fatal workplace injuries for 2013. These statistics demonstrate that Connecticut workers’ compensation is essential.
Workplace deaths decreased in the country. The 2013 statistics showed 223 less deaths than the previous year. The rate for fatal workplace injuries in the United States was 3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2012 and 3.2 per 100,000 workers one year later
Texas had 536 workplace injuries which was the highest documented in the nation followed by the 375 reported in California. Rhode Island suffered eight deaths which was the lowest in the country.
Transportation and violence, by persons or animals, accounted for seven deaths each in Connecticut. Falls were responsible for six of these injuries while contact with objects and equipment was associated with five deaths in the state.
In the United States, transportation accidents were responsible for 1,740 fatalities followed by 753 deaths related to violence. Contact with objects and equipment was related to 717 deaths.
Workplace violence, in fact, was associated with one out of every six fatal accidents in the United States in 2013. Suicides at work were eight percent higher in 2013 than 2012. Workplace murders, however, were 16 percent lower.
The workplace census reported the lowest number of fatal injuries among workers under 17-years-old. There were five of these injuries reported in 2013.
Driver, sales workers and truck drivers were the occupations with the highest number of deaths and sustained 748 fatal accidents in 2013. This was followed by 220 deaths among farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers and 215 fatalities among construction workers.
Over the last five years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher number of fatalities in revised reports that it subsequently issued. Accordingly, Connecticut workers’ compensation will continue to provide necessary protection to injured workers and their families after a workplace injury accident. Although a lawyer is not required, legal representation may help assure that vital rights to lost wages and medical expenses and other compensation are protected.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “National census of fatal occupational injuries in 2013 (preliminary results,)” Retrieved Dec. 15, 2014
