Most Common Workplace Injuries Resulting in Death in Illinois

 Posted on July 30, 2019 in Personal Injury

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics operates a program called the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, often referred to simply as CFOI. This program helps to compile statistics on the deaths that occur in the workplace such as:

• Where the fatal injury took place;
• What job the person was performing;
• What industry the person worked in; and
• Other details that can help determine new laws and regulations to make the workplace safer for all employees.

In Illinois, the CFOI program has noted a significant drop in the number of deaths in the workplace in 2017, the most recent year for which data has been compiled, from 2010. While this is a step in the right direction, any death in the workplace is a tragedy that can leave a family in an emotional and financial mess.

Types of Injuries Sustained

Over half of the workplace fatalities in Illinois that occurred in 2017 were due to either slips, falls, and trips or those involving transportation. Slips and falls are usually, but not always, due to a dangerous work environment whether something was not cleaned up promptly or properly, or even due to equipment being left out where it can cause someone to trip.

Transportation injuries can be due to anything from a forklift operator striking someone or the forklift malfunctioning due to lack of maintenance, to an employee who has use of a company vehicle being involved in a fatal car accident.

Industries and Occupations Impacted

Nearly any industry can be impacted by a wrongful death in the workplace from a retail establishment to those that have the most occurrences of fatal injuries, warehouses. The constriction and agricultural industries see the most workplace accidents that end up being fatal, and it seems to be due to the common use of heavy equipment on construction sites and farms. Both private and commercial transportation industries also see many fatal injuries each year.

Somber Statistics

No workplace fatality will be a good thing. A wrongful death in the workplace can cause problems not only for the employer but also for the family and friends of the deceased. Some statistics show just how important workplace safety is and why it should be taken seriously, to prevent future injuries and future deaths:

• In Illinois, over 90% of fatal injuries in 2017 involved men;
• The self-employed are not exempt and accounted for over 20% of workplace fatalities in 2017;
• In 2017, the number of workplace fatalities due to fires and explosions as well as falls, trips, and slips increased; and
• Per 100,000 full-time wage earners in Illinois, it is estimated that 3.5 will suffer a fatal workplace injury.

When to Contact an Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney

The statute of limitations for a wrongful death case can be different depending on the circumstances of the workplace-related fatality. There may also be extenuating circumstances that can make a case such as this a complicated one. An experienced Orland Park wrongful death lawyer may be able to help you navigate the muddy waters and may also be able to earn your family a settlement for the death of your loved one. Schwartz Injury Law is ready to hear your story and we have offices conveniently located in Orlando Park, Glen Ellyn, Joliet, and Elmhurst. Call 708-888-2160 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/quickstarts/general_industry/index.html

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2059&ChapterID=57