Most people would consider working conditions in the state of Massachusetts fairly good compared to many other regions around the world and, indeed, many other states.
According to the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Statistics Program, Massachusetts had a lower-than-average rate of nonfatal injury and illness compared to the country as a whole. Total nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the state have decreased as a whole since 2004 on a consistent downward trend.
Despite these positive numbers, the state does not have a completely unblemished record. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 55 deaths in 2014 and 69 deaths in 2015. Putting together 2015 – 2011 yields 58.6 worker deaths per year on average.
Among these numbers, some industries and occupations are more dangerous than others. Learn the top five deadliest Massachusetts jobs and other interesting facts by reading on.
Top Five Deadliest Massachusetts Jobs
5. Waste Management and Remediation Services
2014 saw 8 worker deaths and a rate of 4.0 serious injuries or illnesses per 100 workers.
4. Air Transportation
2014 saw 13 worker deaths in the air transportation industry and a rate of 5.5 serious injuries or illnesses per 100 workers.
3. Fishing
Fishing used to be Massachusetts’ most dangerous job, but the declining industry and a rise in safety protocols reversed that trend. The BLS reports only 18 fishing industry deaths between 2015 and 2011, but the AFL-CIO reports that 41 fishermen lost their lives between 2000 and 2008, and data from 1991-1999 shows 156 deaths, albeit with a low relative rate of 1.5 deaths per 100,000 workers.
2. Trucking, Transportation
This BLS-designated industry includes truck drivers, warehouse workers, and many others, but it’s broadness does not excuse its high corresponding numbers. 60 workers died in this industry from 2011 to 2015, and data from 1991-1999 shows a high 5.6 deaths per 1000,000 workers, making the industry dangerous in both the past and present.
1. Construction
Construction is without a doubt Massachusetts’ deadliest and most dangerous occupation. 69 construction worker deaths occurred from 2011 to 2015, and 136 died from 1991 to 1999. This trend is shared nationwide since 2015 BLS data shows that 937 construction deaths occurred that year at a rate of 10.1 workers in 100,000.
Most Common Causes of Injury and Worker Death in Massachusetts
- Transportation accidents are the leading cause of worker death in Mass., including vehicle accidents on public roads as well as incidents related to hauling and loading equipment in private areas.
- Workplace violence is the second leading cause of worker deaths in the state. Violence can include criminal activity such as being shot during a robbery or while someone is resisting arrest, but it can also include co-worker violence.
- Falls are the third most-common cause of worker death in Massachusetts, communicating the need for diligent safety practices, training, and adequate equipment.
- Machinery accidents and exposure to harmful chemicals are additional occupational risks with potentially deadly consequences.
What to Do if You Have a Workplace Accident in Massachusetts
If you are injured on the job in Massachusetts, seek medical attention immediately and notify your supervisor as to the injury. You can go ahead and fill out the paperwork for a worker’s compensation claim in most instances.
Even if you file under worker’s compensation, you should not expect your employer or their insurer to automatically give you the maximum amount to which you are owed. You may also wish to bring a claim against your employer or a third party for excess or peripheral damages related to the incident.
Therefore, if you are injured at work, you should contact a Boston worker accident lawyer as soon as you can. Contact our offices today to receive a free case review and to potentially start your claim immediately.
The post 5 Deadliest Massachusetts Jobs appeared first on Kiley Law Group.
No comments:
Post a Comment