Fatal Industrial Accidents: Statistics, Lawsuits, Damages and Prevention

Industrial accidents can be a fatal blow, not just to the affected employee and his family but also to the employer. All accidents cost money and serious injuries or deaths can be a painfully substantial loss on both ends.

Statistics on Industrial Accidents

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a total of 5,488 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2007.

90 percent of the fatal work injuries involved workers in private industry and although transportation and material moving occupations had the highest number of fatal work injuries in 2007. With 2,234 cases, the highest fatality rate among major occupational groups was for farming, fishing, and forestry.

The rate for fatal falls also increased in 2007, a 39 percent increase since 1992 of 835. African American workers and Hispanics also account for the highest percentage of fatal work injuries and of the 5,488 fatal occupational injuries in 2007, 959 were incurred by workers who were born outside of the United States, majority of whom are born in Mexico.

Injury Protection and Workers Compensation

In California, every employer is mandated by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace for his/her employees. Also, most employers are required to provide Workers' Compensation insurance for their employees. Workers' Compensation is essentially a no-fault insurance system that guarantees swift and certain compensation to anyone injured or killed on the job.

Accident Claims, Lawsuits, Damages and Compensation

Fatal industrial accidents can incur a mountain of expenses and determining compensation can be difficult because of the costs of damages involved. Once wrongful death damages are considered, these legal actions can become very complicated.

Industrial Accident Prevention Guidelines

Thus, the adage, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, holds true in this case. In order to avoid the head-ache inducing costs of damages and worker’s compensation suits, employers should adhere to the standards of safety set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Likewise, an effective Injury and Illness Prevention (IIP) Program is required for every California employer. An Injury and Illness Prevention Program is a written plan which includes the organizational policies, procedures, incentives, and disciplinary actions as necessary to ensure employee compliance with safe and healthful work practices.

Employers Requirements for Injury Prevention

It should contain the following elements:

• Management commitment/assignment of responsibilities
• Safety communications system with employees
• System for assuring employee compliance with safe work practices
• Scheduled inspections/evaluation system
• Accident investigation
• Procedures for correcting unsafe/ unhealthy conditions
• Safety and health training and instruction
• Recordkeeping and documentation

Employers who want to make sure their workplace is safe may call the OSHA Consultation Service for assistance. A Consultation Service consultant can also help owners determine what is needed for their Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

Through efforts such as these, employers may reduce the risk of fatal industrial accidents and not be held liable for workplace injuries or deaths.

• The content of this page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need help with an Accident Injury claim, please click here to talk to Rodney Mesriani or an Accident Attorney near you.