What causes fatal work injuries in New Jersey?
A recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that fatal work injuries are on the rise in New Jersey. In March of 2015, fatal work injuries totaled nearly 100 in the state, a ten percent increase from the previous year. A similar trend was revealed nationwide, with 4,836 fatal occupational injuries recorded in 2015, up from 4,821 in 2014. With the number of fatal work injuries increasing year over year, it is critical that employees across the state understand the causes of workplace accidents and their rights to receive workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an occupational injury or death.
Causes of Fatal Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can occur in nearly any field, but employees in certain occupations are at additional risk. Those working in construction, transportation, material moving, and extraction face the highest number of workplace deaths. Some of the top causes of fatal workplace accidents in New Jersey and nationwide include:
- Falls;
- Transportation incidents;
- Struck by objects;
- Electrocutions;
- Compression or caught in between machinery;
- Violence in the workplace.
Employers can take steps to minimize the risk of fatal workplace accidents. Ensuring that employees are properly trained and provided with the appropriate safety equipment can save lives and prevent injuries. Workplace accidents can nevertheless occur even with thorough safety planning.
Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey
Most New Jersey workers are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides coverage for employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Injured employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if their actions negligently contributed to the incident. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide much needed financial relief to injured employees and their families in the event of a serious workplace accident.
Qualifying New Jersey employees who are injured on the job may be able to obtain coverage for their medical expenses, as well as temporary or permanent disability benefits. The family members of those killed at work could seek death benefits. Contact our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at The Cassidy Law Firm for assistance with your workers’ compensation claim today.