Workplace safety must be a critical concern for businesses and workers alike. Each year, thousands of workers in the state of California file workers’ compensation claims as the result of some sort of work-associated injury. Sadly, work-related fatalities appear to occur at a fairly consistent rate from one year to the next in California. Research demonstrates that technology can be highly useful in lowering the incidences of worker injuries and fatalities in California and across the United States.
Rate of workplace fatalities
While there is some fluctuation in the rate of workplace fatalities from one year to the next, more recently the death rate has been relatively steady. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the total number of fatal workplace injuries in the United States is over 5,000 incidents annually. The workplace fatality rate is approximately 3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers.
An analysis of this data reveals that the workplace fatality rate is similar to the homicide rate in the United States. However, a considerably greater degree of attention seems to be paid to homicides over workplace deaths. Arguably, the focus on workplace fatalities needs to be sharpened.
Technology and common types of workplace accidents
Technology is constantly evolving in California and across the United States. This includes technology designed to enhance workplace safety. Every year, technological developments occur that address different commonplace causes of workplace accidents, including:
- Falling from heights
- Encountering slips and falls
- Being pinned and crushed by machinery or equipment
- Being struck by object or debris
- Getting burned by fires, chemicals, explosions
An employer has a recognized legal duty in California to maintain a reasonably safe workplace. A workplace need not be and cannot be perfectly safe. However, implementing certain technologies oftentimes is a step that a business should take in order to create and maintain a reasonably safe workplace for its employees. If you are worried about workers’ compensation, an attorney may be able to help you.
