Workplace accidents in Wisconsin and across the United States claim thousands of lives each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 5,000 workers died in job-related incidents in a recent year. The leading cause of workplace fatalities is transportation accidents, accounting for nearly 37% of all fatal workplace injuries. While vehicle-related accidents are the most common cause of workplace deaths, falls and other hazards also contribute significantly to workplace fatalities.
Workplace Death Statistics: The Most Common Causes of Workplace Fatalities
According to BLS and National Safety Council data, the top causes of workplace fatalities in Wisconsin and nationwide include:
1. Transportation-Related Accidents
Transportation accidents are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, with nearly 2,000 workers losing their lives in work-related vehicle crashes annually. Commercial truck drivers and delivery personnel are at higher risk, but any worker who drives as part of their job is vulnerable.
2. Falls from Heights
Falls are the leading cause of on-the-job fatalities in the construction industry. Nearly 900 workplace deaths result from falls each year, making up approximately 17% of all workplace fatalities. Employers must enforce proper fall protection measures to reduce these preventable accidents.
3. Struck-By and Caught-In/Between Accidents
These incidents, classified as “contact accidents” by the National Safety Council, cause about 15% of workplace deaths. Construction workers, factory workers, and those working with heavy machinery face the highest risks.
4. Exposure to Harmful Substances and Environments
Long-term exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos and toxic chemicals can cause fatal diseases. In one recent year, 820 U.S. workers died from chemical exposure, accounting for approximately 16% of workplace fatalities.
5. Electrocution and Electrical Hazards
Electrical accidents claim hundreds of lives each year, particularly among electricians, construction workers, and maintenance personnel. Proper training and safety equipment can reduce these risks.
6. Workplace Violence and Assaults
Workplace violence resulted in 740 worker deaths in a recent year, making up nearly 9% of all workplace fatalities. Employers must implement strict safety protocols to protect workers from physical violence and threats.
Industries with the Highest Risk of Workplace Fatalities
Some industries present a significantly higher risk of workplace fatalities in Wisconsin and across the U.S. BLS data shows that the following occupations experience the highest rates of worker deaths:
- Farming, Fishing, and Forestry – Nearly 25 deaths per 100,000 workers
- Transportation and Trucking – Approximately 15 deaths per 100,000 workers
- Construction – Around 13 deaths per 100,000 workers
- Maintenance, Installation, and Repair – About 9 deaths per 100,000 workers
- Law Enforcement and Protective Services – Roughly 8 deaths per 100,000 workers
How Employers Can Prevent Workplace Fatalities
Employers in Wisconsin have a legal duty to protect workers from dangerous conditions. Some of the most effective ways to prevent workplace deaths include:
- Providing thorough safety training programs
- Enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Conducting regular hazard assessments and safety inspections
- Establishing clear emergency response protocols
- Preventing worker fatigue by enforcing reasonable shifts and breaks
- Encouraging open communication about safety concerns
- Implementing strict drug and alcohol policies
- Posting clear warning signs in hazardous areas
- Ensuring full compliance with OSHA safety regulations
Legal Rights of Families Affected by Workplace Fatalities
Under Wisconsin workers’ compensation laws, surviving family members of a deceased worker may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits, which include:
- Wage Replacement – Up to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage for up to 1,000 weeks
- Additional Benefits for Dependents – Families with minor children may qualify for increased compensation
- Funeral and Burial Expenses – Coverage of funeral costs up to a specified limit
Additionally, if an employer’s negligence or a third party contributed to the worker’s death, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
Injured in a Workplace Accident? Contact a Green Bay Work Injury Lawyer Today
If you lost a loved one in a workplace accident or were injured in an incident that resulted in a coworker’s death, you have legal rights. The Schwaba Law Firm is dedicated to helping injured workers and grieving families pursue justice and financial compensation.
Call (855) 724-9222 today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a trusted workplace injury lawyer in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
