Many of us take it for granted that we will get to our home every night in the same condition we left it in the morning. Whether we work in a job that isn’t considered inherently dangerous or if we just don’t consider our risks, we all hope to avoid workplace accidents and injuries. Recent statistics released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal that more people made it home last year than in the year prior, but that there is still significant room for improvement.
As reported by EHSToday.com, workplace fatalities were at 4,383 in 2012. This is compared with 4,693 in 2011. This puts the rate of fatal workplace injuries at 3.2 per 100,000 full-time workers, down from 3.5 per 100,000 the year prior.
Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said that though he is “greatly encouraged” by the reduction, there is still work to be done.
“Workers in this country have the right to return home safe and healthy at the end of a work day. Despite that right, poor safety conditions cause thousands of people each year to lose their lives at work.”
An increase in education and outreach programs are being credited with the improvement. Proper safety training can decrease accidents overall and can decrease the seriousness of injuries when an accident occurs.
Of the workplace fatalities affecting our area, executive director of the National Council for Occupational Health and Safety Tom O’Connor points to an increase in the number of workers killed within the energy sector. Fatalities within the mining sector were up 14 percent, while fatalities within oil and gas extraction were up 23 percent.
The increase within the oil industry has accompanied an increase in jobs in that sector. But the increase in employment within that industry needs to be accompanied by a push for greater safety and education.
When you work for someone else and you are injured on the job, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and more.
Houston Workplace Injuries Attorney
Contact the personal injury law office of Kevin Krist to discuss your rights when injured in a workplace accident. Call 832-924-3181 now for a consultation and to discuss your legal options.
