Workers' Compensation: 2023 Workplace Fatalities: A Sobering Look

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2023. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of workplace fatalities across the United States. The key findings reflect the implications for workplace safety.

Source: US BLS

Key Takeaways from the 2023 Report:

Overall Decline: The good news is that fatal work injuries decreased by 3.7% compared to 2022. This marks a positive trend, indicating progress in workplace safety efforts.
Transportation Incidents Remain a Leading Cause: Transportation incidents are the primary cause of fatal work injuries, accounting for 36.8% of all fatalities. This highlights the need for increased focus on safety measures in the transportation and logistics industries.
Falls, Slips, and Trips: Falls, slips, and trips remain a significant hazard, resulting in 885 deaths in 2023. This underscores the importance of proper fall protection and workplace hazard assessments.
Construction Industry: A Persistent Problem: The construction industry continues to have the highest number of fatalities, with 1,075 deaths reported in 2023. This emphasizes the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and training programs in this sector.

Understanding the Data:

The BLS report provides valuable insights into the demographics of workplace fatalities, including:

Industry: Construction, transportation, warehousing, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting were the industries with the highest number of fatalities.
Occupation: Truck drivers and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers were the occupations with the highest number of fatalities.
Worker Characteristics: Male workers accounted for the majority of fatalities, and Hispanic or Latino workers experienced a higher fatality rate than non-Hispanic or Latino workers.

The Road to Safer Workplaces

To further reduce workplace fatalities, it is crucial to:

Prioritize Safety: Employers should prioritize workplace safety by implementing robust programs, training regularly, and investing in safety equipment.
Enhance Enforcement: Regulatory agencies should strengthen enforcement of workplace safety regulations to ensure compliance.
Promote Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation in safety technology and practices can lead to the development of new solutions to prevent accidents.
Foster Worker Engagement: Encouraging worker participation in safety programs and empowering them to report hazards can create a safety culture.

By understanding the trends and challenges highlighted in the BLS report, we can work towards creating safer workplaces for all.

NATIONAL CENSUS OF FATAL OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES IN 2023 (December 19, 2023)

Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., 2023 Workplace Fatalities: A Sobering Look, www.gelmans.com (12/19/2024)

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*Jon L. Gelman of Wayne, NJ, is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon Gelman 1.973.696.7900
jon@gelmans.com has represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational illnesses and diseases.