Workers’ compensation claims — how dangerous is your job?

The results of a recently conducted census into fatal workplace injuries did not bear good news for many workers. An increase of two percent in workplace fatalities is reflected in the preliminary results of the annual Census of Fatal Occupation injuries. In some industries across the United States, including Tennessee, the increase in fatal injuries increased a lot more than two percent, which may lead to an increase in workers’ compensation claims.

The results of the census undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that three industries – mining, law enforcement and agriculture – are without a doubt the most dangerous. Both mining and law enforcement showed a 17 percent increase in work-related fatalities, while agriculture showed a 14 percent increase. Two more industries have shown significant increases in the number of fatal workplace accidents: manufacturing (9 percent) and construction (6 percent).

When the number of workers killed due to unsafe working conditions is considered, it is horrifying to think that on an average day 13 people die tragically at their place of work. The U.S. Secretary of Labor has called on employers to fulfill legal requirements and provide safe work places. Safer working conditions means fewer families have to face a life without a loved one.

Tennessee families who have lost a family member due to unsafe working conditions may opt to file workers’ compensation claims against the employer. Damages awarded in a successful workers’ compensation claim may assist the family of the deceased employee in meeting associated expenses, such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, as well as loss of income. Such an award may provide a degree of relief to the bereft family during an understandably difficult time.

Source: ehstoday.com, “Bad News from BLS: Several Industries Experiencing Higher Rates of Occupational Fatalities“, Sandy Smith, Sep. 22, 2015