Personal Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia Report on Sobering Statistics on Workplace Fatalities

By Peter Patton, Esq.

In the United States in 2011, there were 4,609 fatal work injuries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Fatal work injuries and private truck transportation deaths rose 14% from the previous year. Moreover, according to results from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) Program of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, work injuries claimed the lives of 186 Pennsylvanians in 2011.

Pennsylvania Workplace Deaths Result from Many Types of Accidents

The deaths of 186 Pennsylvania workers occurred from a variety of incidents on the job. Twenty four (24) workers died from injuries sustained from dangerous machinery.  Thirty two (32) workers died from contact with dangerous or defective equipment or other objects.  Sixty One (61) victims died in all types of work-related motor vehicle accidents.

Falls remained dangerous to Pennsylvania workers.  Thirty four (34) workers died in some type of fall event in 2011.   Another common construction incident is a cave in of a trench or other excavation.  Two workers died from that means in 2011, according to CFOI’s statistics.  Six Pennsylvania workers were injured in explosions. Seventeen (17) workers died from exposure to harmful substances or environments.

National Statistics Show Motor Vehicle Accidents as Leading Cause of Workplace Fatalities

In 2011, transportation accidents accounted for more than 2 out of every five fatal work injuries nationwide.  Of the 1,898 transportation-related incidents, about 57% were roadway accidents involving motorized land vehicles.   Non-roadway incidents, such as a tractor overturning in a field, accounted for another approximately 11% of transportation or related fatal work injuries.  Pedestrians struck by vehicles were about 16% of fatal transportation incidents.    Sixteen (16) workplace deaths involving pedestrians happened in work zones.

Nationwide, fatal falls, slips or trips touched the lives of about 666 workers in 2011 which is about 14% of all fatal work injuries.  There were 152 multiple fatality incidents nationwide in 2011 in which 354 workers died, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Galfand Berger Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Families Impacted by Fatal Work Injuries

If your family has lost a family member as a result of a workplace accident resulting in death, the personal injury attorneys at the injury law firm of Galfand Berger can help. Our attorneys have represented countless workers injured on the job, as well as families struggling with workplace fatalities.  We understand the complexities of construction and industrial accidents that typically involve complicated machinery and equipment and often result in catastrophic injuries or death. Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) to schedule a free consultation with an experienced workplace attorney or contact us online.

With offices in Philadelphia, Reading and Bethlehem, Galfand Berger attorneys serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, including areas surrounding Allentown and Harrisburg, and many other communities in Bucks, Montgomery, Berks, Chester and Delaware Counties.