Deaths Caused by Work Accidents Went Down in 2008

An accident can occur in just about every occupation and industry, causing serious injuries or death. Work accidents are to blame for thousands of deaths each year in the United States, not to mention the countless number of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,071 people were killed in work accidents across the country in 2008. Although this figure seems high, it is lower than the previous year.

In 2008, the rate of fatal work injuries was 3.6 per 100,000 full time employees, which is down from 4.0 in 2007. A news release by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggested that the reason for this decline had to do partly with economic factors. For example, in 2008, there was a decline in the average amount of hours worked. Plus, industries that normally have high fatality rates, such as construction, had an even greater hit when it came to the average work hours.

The news release also mentioned that the decline in reported fatalities may also have to do with the fact that many government agencies have been impacted by the economy, which could affect the data collected and processed.

Some of the key facts mentioned in the release include the following:

• 90 percent of the fatal work injuries occurred in private industry.
• 680 fatal fall accidents were reported.
• Fatalities from construction accidents decreased by 20 percent.
• Nearly one-fourth of all work fatalities involved employees in transportation and material moving occupations.
• Workplace suicides increased by 28 percent, making 2008 the highest year for reported suicides.
• Accidents at work in the construction industry, accounted for about one-fifth of all fatalities.

These numbers show the seriousness of a workplace accident. If you have been injured in a Florida construction accident or work accident, you may be entitled to compensation. You should contact a Florida workers’ compensation attorney immediately at the Law Offices of Johnson & Gilbert, P. A. (386) 673-4412 or (800) 556-8890 for advice regarding your work injury case. Make the call today to find out your legal options.

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