OSHA Announces Increase in Workplace Fatalities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced an increase in work-related fatalities for 2016.

After analyzing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries report, OSHA determined that some 5,190 U.S. workers had lose their lives while working in 2016. That's roughly a 7% increase from 2015, signaling a disturbing new trend. Based on the these findings, OSHA says the fatal injury rate for U.S. workers was 3.6 per 100,000 full-time workers in 2016, whereas the fatal injury rate for workers in 2015 was 3.4 per 100,000 full-time workers.

So, what's driving the increased rate of work-related fatality? Well, transportation accounted for the most work-related fatalities in 2016. Based on data provided by the BLS, OSHA concluded that nearly one in every four work-related deaths were attributed to transportation. Coming in second, however, was workplace violate, accounting for roughly 23% of all work-related deaths.

In response to the latest data on 2016 work-related fatalities, the National Safety Council (NSC) related a statement saying it was disheartened to see the numbers presented by the BLS.

As explained by OSHA's Loren Sweatt, this is the third consecutive year in which work-related fatalities have increased, with 2016 marking the highest rate of such fatalities since 2008.

“Today’s occupational fatality data show a tragic trend with the third consecutive increase in worker fatalities in 2016 – the highest since 2008. America’s workers deserve better,”said OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt, deputy assistant secretary for OSHA.

On the flip side, however, Sweatt states that industries in which OSHA has focused its resources have generally seen fewer work-related fatalities. In other words, OSHA's efforts have had a positive impact on reducing work-related fatalities in certain industries. The industries that have been placed on the back burner, however, have seen an increase in such fatalities.

News of increased work-related fatalities can be disconcerting for employers and workers alike. However, there are steps you can take to protect against serious, potentially fatal injury. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job
• Reporting all work-related injuries in a timely manner
• Creating policies and plans to mitigate the risk of work-related injuries and subsequent fatalities
• Keeping floors clean and free of obstruction
• Requiring workers to complete regular training 
• Hosting "toolbox talks" on common safety topics