The AFL-CIO's latest annual study, "Death on the Job: the Toll of Neglect," states 4,340 workers died on the job in 2009, an average of 12 per day, and an estimated 50,000 died from occupational diseases, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
More than 4.1 million work-related injuries and illnesses were reported, but due to underreporting, the true extent of job injuries is two to three times greater—about 8 million to 12 million job injuries and illnesses each year, according to the AFL-CIO. (WCxKit)
In 2009, Montana paced the country with the highest rate of worker fatalities, with Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska following close behind. The lowest fatality rates were reported in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
The report indicates economic conditions and layoffs played a key role in the falling rates of workplace fatalities and injuries in 2009. The report also notes federal OSHA inspectors can inspect workplaces once every 129 years on average and state OSHA inspectors would take 67 years to inspect all workplaces.
OSHA penalties for serious violations are $1,052 per violation for federal OSHA inspections and $858 for state plans. In cases involving worker fatalities, the median total penalty was $5,600 for federal OSHA and $4,543 for OSHA state plans. Oregon had the lowest median penalty for fatality investigations, while New Hampshire had the highest. The report says recent budget proposals that slash OSHA's funding would decimate its enforcement ability.
"Our work is never done when it comes to workplace safety — the tragedies in the last year at Massey Energy's [Upper] Big Branch mine and the BP Gulf Coast oil rig have shown us that," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. (WCxKit)
The report shows Hispanic workers continue to be at higher risk of job fatalities; their fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 workers in FY 2009 compared with 3.3 per 100,000 in the general population. More than half of the fatalities involving Hispanic workers were among workers not born in the United States.
To view the full report, go to: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/safety/memorial/upload/dotj_2011.pdf.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:[email protected] or 860-553-6604.
Our WC Manual: http://corner.advisen.com/partners_wctoolkit_book.html
WORK COMP CALCULATOR: http://www.LowerWC.com/calculator.php
SUBSCRIBE: Workers Comp Resource Center Newsletter
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact [email protected]
