The number of total fatal work injuries rose 2% year over year, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Despite an increase in OSHA inspections and initiatives aimed at addressing specific workplace hazards, there were 5,250 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2018, up from the 5,147 in 2017. The fatal work injury rate remained unchanged at 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE), the BLS stated.
“The data shows we are still not doing enough to protect our workers. Workplace fatalities should never be considered a cost of doing business,” the National Safety Council (NSC) wrote. “Employers need to take a systematic approach to safety that includes having policies, training and risk assessment techniques in place to address major causes of fatalities and injuries. Leadership needs to set the tone from the top and engage all workers in safety, identify hazards and measure safety performance using leading indicators to continuously improve.”
Transportation Drives Rates Higher
Driving-related fatalities accounted for 40% of all work-related fatalities, according to BLS data. In 2018, 2,080 transportation deaths were recorded.
The report also showed that driver/sales workers and truck drivers had the most fatalities of any broad occupation group at 966. Among all detailed occupations, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had the most fatalities at 831.
Christopher Turner, director of crash and data programs for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), provided insight to the large number of road fatalities.
Turner referred to a recent study that showed most crashes are not caused by the commercial motor vehicle driver. Substance abuse, distractions from phones and electronic devices and an increase in speed limits and vehicle miles traveled contribute to the data, he said.
“Because of the diversity of factors resulting in the increase, FMCSA, CVSA, our members, and partner association have worked to develop comprehensive multi-disciplinary approaches to reduce crashes and fatalities,” Turner stated.
The CVSA has worked with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and state legislators to increase the number of drug recognition experts (DREs) across the nation.
“Because of the diversity of factors resulting in the increase, FMCSA, CVSA, our members, and partner association have worked to develop comprehensive multi-disciplinary approaches to reduce crashes and fatalities,” Turner said.
He continued, “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), recognizing the importance of this effort, allows states to utilize FMCSA funding to increase the number of DREs in each state, and then deploy the DRE strategically during enforcement campaigns. States work to reduce the number of distracted drivers through both educational and enforcement efforts.”
Agency Efforts
OSHA released a statement shortly after the data became public, focusing on its individual efforts and resources available. Unintentional on-the-job overdoses rose by 12%, the sixth consecutive annual increase.
The agency noted its collaboration with the NSC on the release of an opioid toolkit for employers to address the epidemic and support substance abuse recovery efforts.
Mental health issues also continue to be a pervasive issue in the workplace. Employee suicides at work increased by 11% in 2018. OSHA noted its new webpage aimed at assisting employers with identifying the warning signs and confidential resources available.
OSHA mentioned the 14% decline in work-related fatal falls from heights, the lowest total since 2014. As a result of the agency’s enforcement efforts, more than 7,000 fall-related hazards were addressed in the construction industry.
"OSHA will continue to use BLS data for enforcement targeting within its jurisdiction to help prevent tragedies," said Health Loren Sweatt, principal deputy assistant secretary of occupational safety and health. "Inspections for OSHA were up, and we will work with state plans so employers and workers can find compliance assistance tools in many forms or call the agency to report unsafe working conditions. Any fatality is one too many."
Safety Management Systems
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) stressed the importance of safety management systems in response to the increase in total fatal work injuries.
“With the innovative tools available to today’s employers nationwide, it’s concerning that we’re continuing to see higher numbers of worker fatalities,” said ASSP President Diana Stegall, CSP, CFPS, ARM, SMS, CPCU, in a statement. “Most occupational incidents are preventable given today’s technologies and proven safety and health strategies.”
Although regulatory entities such as OSHA set workplace safety, organizations who establish and follow voluntary consensus standards such as those developed and revised in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) will benefit from a safer workplace, the ASSP stated.
“Strong workplace cultures that bring together management and employees while including safety and health climates must become a priority for all companies and organizations,” Stegall said. “ASSP will continue to push for better protection of workers to ensure that everyone returns home safe to their families every day.”