Recently, we shared some research regarding how younger (Millennial) business owners are more willing to start workplace safety programs compared to older owners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) “National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries,” the focus on workplace safety is not just about broken arms and strained backs. (Although, there are almost 5 million such injuries annually.) According to BLS most recent research, annual workplace fatalities crossed 5,000 workers for the first time in 2016. Here are more tragic data that should convince any small business owner or manager to take a more serious look at improving your workplace safety efforts.
5,190 | Workplace fatalities recorded in the United States in 2016 (most recent data).
3.6 per 100,000 (FTE) workers | Workplace fatalities per 100,000 in 2016 (compared to 3.4 per 100,000 in 2015).
Various types of workplace fatalities in 2016
2,083 | Transportation fatalities
849 | Falls, slips or trips
500 | Workplace homicides
291 | Workplace suicides
217 | Overdoses from non-medical use of drugs or alcohol
Workplace fatalities among some industries
298 | Leisure and hospitality field
281 | Protective service occupations, including police officers and recreational protective workers.
136 | Construction supervisors
125 | Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
101 | Roofers
91 | Logging workers fatalities
84 | Tree trimmers and pruners
64 | Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Number and rate of fatal work injuries, by occupation
Workplace Safety & Health Information from the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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