Safety authorities in Illinois and other states gather injury data throughout each year to analyze it and find ways to improve workplace safety. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported interesting findings after processing work injury and fatality data collected over 25 years. The information was obtained from 1992 through 2016, and the results show that analyzing the injuries and causes have led to improved workplace safety.
This report forms part of the BLS “Spotlight on Statistics” series and reveals that bodily reaction to overexertion was the primary cause for absence from work throughout the studied period. However, there was a drop of almost 71% between the 1992 and 2016 numbers for such injuries. Fatalities also decreased over that period, with the 2016 work-related deaths totals dropping over 16% than those recorded in 1992.
Other interesting results of the study show an almost 50% increase in on-the-job fatalities among workers who are older than 55 years. Also, between 2011 and 2016, the highest number of fatal work-related injuries occurred in the transportation industry, with workplace violence and falls caused by slips and trips making up the next highest numbers in on-the-job deaths. Although the reduction in injuries and fatalities is a positive result, authorities say the study shows that a whole lot more must be done to improve workplace safety.
Illinois workers in all industries will remain vulnerable, and anyone who suffers a work injury will likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault. Legal counsel is available to assist injured workers and the surviving family members of workers who did not survive workplace accidents. With the help of an experienced attorney, the chances of receiving maximum benefits will increase significantly.
