Workplace fatalities

Silver Spring, MD — A recently created database allowed researchers to determine that, in a 33-year period, falls accounted for nearly half of all construction worker deaths – and more than half of the workers killed lacked access to fall protection – according to the Center for Construction Research and Training (also known as CPWR).

Washington — A total of 5,190 workers died from on-the-job injuries in 2016 – a 7 percent increase from 2015 and the highest number of fatalities since 5,214 workers died in 2008, according to data released Dec. 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Despite advances in technology, injuries and deaths from backing vehicles continue to occur. With federal regulation no longer on the horizon, experts say employers need to implement best practices to keep workers safe.

Emmitsburg, MD — Eighty-nine firefighters were killed on the job in 2016, compared with 90 in 2015 and 94 in 2014, according to the U.S. Fire Administration’s recently released annual report detailing on-duty firefighter fatalities.

Silver Spring, MD – Eighty-two construction workers died from electrocution in 2015, a number the Center for Construction Research and Training – also known as CPWR – calls “unacceptably high” despite a 39 percent reduction in construction industry electrocution deaths since 2003.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board made several recommendations to state and federal agencies, industry associations and other entities after concluding its investigation of an October 2016 multi-fatality crash in California.

Washington – A new database from the Center for Progressive Reform spotlights state criminal cases and advocacy campaigns against employers that have failed to comply with worker safety laws.

Older drivers bring knowledge and experience to the workplace. By 2020, 25 percent of workers in the United States will be 55 or older. But this group is not without risk. According to NIOSH, motor vehicle crashes account for 32 percent of all work-related deaths among workers 55 or older.

Washington – OSHA has stated that it will change some of the processes in its Voluntary Protection Programs, after a Department of Labor Office of Inspector General audit uncovered several weaknesses in recording and reporting systems involving contract workers.