Even though the total number of workplace fatalities rose last year from 34 to 48 accidents, that number is still lower than the five-year average of 53.2. This also represents an all time low for the state of North Carolina as compared to other states, according to North Carolina Department of Labor officials.
Cherie Berry, the Labor Commissioner for North Carolina, made a statement recently about her state's commitment to reducing the number of workplace fatalities, "Any workplace death is a tragedy and of great concern because it affects so many people - the family, co-workers, the community and our department." By asking employers and businesses to work even harder to ensure workplace safety for their employees the Department of Labor hopes to reduce the number of workplace deaths even further this year.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has identified four types of hazards that account for eighty percent of work-related fatalities: being struck by an object, falls, being crushed by an object and being electrocuted.
Overall the illness and injury rate has also decreased over the years to 3.1 per 100 full time workers, down from 5.3 per 100 in 2009.
Were you injured on the job? Are you in need of worker's compensation? If so, contact us to speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney today.