Many people head off to work every day in the United States with the intention of following the safety specifications and guidelines of their workplace, but what happens when those safety measures fail and a worker dies on the job? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that worker fatalities are on the rise, with a 2% increase between 2018-2019.
While most jobs come with a certain amount of risk, some may present more danger than others, and individuals in these fields may want to remain aware of the factors that could contribute to a worksite accident.
Company drivers
Those who drive for a living, especially big rigs, large loads and hazardous materials, run a greater risk of death while on the job than those who work on-site. Fatal transportation and driving incidents may occur in a number of ways, including exposure to harmful materials while in transit and highway crashes. This type of incident continues to account for the most deaths among worker fatalities.
Construction workers
Construction worker fatalities also rose between 2018-2019, making it one of the most dangerous occupations in the country to date. There are many pitfalls and dangers on construction sites, and even a small breach in safety guidelines could result in electrocution, falls or crushing deaths.
Ground maintenance
Groundskeepers who work with potentially dangerous chemicals and other substances, along with heavy machinery, usually have an increased risk of death while on the job. In some cases, such as with handling insecticides, the damage may not become obvious until months or even years later.
Other accidents, such as falling objects and equipment malfunctions, can also result in death for those on the job. Employers can promote safety awareness by stressing the importance of using lockout tags on heavy machinery and by posting current Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety guidelines throughout the workplace.