2019 Work Injury Stats
A worker is injured on the job in the United States every 7 seconds, according to the National Safety Council. U.S companies also routinely spend in excess of a billion dollars on work-related injuries annually. Below, you’ll find some of the most recent and most compelling work injury stats for 2019 that provide more insights into the factors that tend to contribute to on-the-job injuries and the risk of such injuries occurring.
Overexertion is a Top Factor
Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, twisting, and throwing are just some of the many motions that can contribute to serious workplace injuries. In fact, overexertion of this nature is the top cause of disabling work-related injuries for 2019, according to the most recent Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. Additional reasons for workplace injuries that tend to be fairly common in 2019 include:
- Same-level and lower-level falls
- Being struck by an object or some type of equipment
- Roadway accidents involving vehicles being used for work
- Slips or trips that don’t involve falls
- Repetitive motions
Loggers and Fishing Workers Are Most Likely to Be Injured
Workplace injuries can occur in any setting, although certain industries are most dangerous than others. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the logging profession has the highest work injury fatality rate. Commercial fishing is considered the second most dangerous profession of 2019, with a fatality rate of nearly 90 deaths per 100,000 workers. Other types of workers statistically more likely to be injured include:
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Roofers
- Refuse/recyclable collectors
- Iron/steel workers
- Commercial truck drivers
Failing to Meet OSHA Standards Contributes to Workplace Injuries
OSHA released its list of the top workplace violations for 2019, many of which can contribute to an increased risk of on-the-job injuries. A failure to provide sufficient fall protection was the top OSHA violation, followed by a lack of sufficient hazard communication, scaffolding that’s not secured properly, lockout/tagout issues, and a failure to provide sufficient respiratory protection.
It’s also estimated that workplace injuries result in the loss of more than 100 million production days each year. While many different types of injuries can keep workers off the job, the most common ones involve sprains and strains, cuts or punctures, and general soreness and pain. If you are having trouble filing a valid workers’ comp claim because of an injury or illness related to your occupation, a personal injury lawyer can provide the necessary assistance you may need to meet requirements or challenge a denied claim.
References
https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/tools-resources/infographics/workplace-injuries
https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
https://viewpoint.libertymutualgroup.com/article/top-10-causes-disabling-injuries-at-work-2019/