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According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Ohio remains one of 24 states where fatal workplace accidents have increased in the last year. In 2014, there were 184 fatal work accidents, compared to 149 in 2013. Statistics from the BLS show Ohio has three deaths for every 100,000 workers.
Many jobs involving fatal workplace accidents are in manufacturing and construction, usually where there are unsafe working conditions, such as unguarded machinery or distracted drivers. For example, there was a 21 percent increase in construction worker deaths in 2014 and an 11 percent increase for manufacturing workers.
In some industries, the large increase in workplace deaths has become a rallying cry for state agencies to act. Over the last year, many roadside construction workers have been seriously injured or killed while on the job. For roadside workers in Ohio, distracted and impaired drivers have become a major safety concern.
Earlier in April, a roadside accident involving an impaired and distracted driver took the life of a 24-year-old Duke Energy subcontractor. For roadside construction workers, there is very little protection from vehicles. The Ohio Department of Transportation has become involved, launching a campaign to warn motorists to drive safely in roadside construction zones.
Can Family Members of Deceased Workers Receive Benefits?
Although family members can never replace lost loved ones, there are still options for financial assistance. For family members who lose loved ones to work accidents, it may be possible to receive workers’ compensation or other benefits. Stories involving workplace safety issues in Ohio are unfortunately abundant. Continue following our workplace safety blog for regular updates.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorneys