Shocking Work Injury Statistics in the Commonwealth
Workplace injuries can be devastating, leaving employees with extraordinary medical bills and unable to provide for their families. While some industries are more prone to accidents than others, injuries can occur in any type of workplace. It is important to remember that you have rights if you are injured on the job and should consult with an attorney about your legal options.
At Freeburn Law, we fight for people who are injured at work in Pennsylvania. Our skilled legal team works tirelessly to secure large settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. To date, we have recovered over $100 million for injury victims and their families. If you were injured at work, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation.
Fatal Work Injuries in Pennsylvania
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 148 fatal work injuries in Pennsylvania in 2020.
As reported by the BLS, the leading causes of work injuries were caused by:
- Transportation incidents
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
Nearly 1/3 of all workplace injury deaths were the result of transportation incidents. While the 49 people killed in work-related transportation incidents in 2020 represents a decrease from the previous year, other causes significantly increased.
Fatalities related to falls, slips, and trips rose from 16 in 2019 to 28 in 2020. Additionally, the number of people killed due to exposure to harmful substances or environments at work went from 22 to 25.
Construction-Related Deaths
The Bureau reports that the highest number of worker fatalities occurs in the private construction industry sector. Employees performing manual labor are at a greater risk for injury and death.
Individuals injured in these types of accidents are strongly encouraged to contact a manual labor injury lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or can pursue a lawsuit against a negligent third party.
Additional Fatal Workplace Injury Statistics in PA
Workplace injuries and deaths are often avoidable, caused by inadequate safety procedures, inexperience, or understaffing. Many workers are put in harm's way due to negligence or wrongdoing.
Facts about work-related deaths in PA:
- Men are significantly more likely to be killed in workplace accidents, accounting for 93% of the work-related fatalities in the state in 2020.
- White non-Hispanics are also more likely to die from workplace injuries, accounting for 85% of those who were killed on the job.
- Young to middle-aged workers are more prone to work-related deaths, with employees between the ages of 25-54 accounting for 60% of the fatal workplace injuries in the state.
If you are involved in a workplace injury or accident, you might be entitled to compensation. It is essential that you act fast, as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages.
Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Rights
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. All consultations are provided at no cost to you and without obligation to retain our firm. Get the recovery you deserve. Call our office today to get started.