The Industrial Commission of Arizona released it’s 2010 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. While no report is “great” until we can read about zero fatalities for the year, it was especially nice to read that workplace fatalities were down in 2010 over 2009.
Also identified in the data were Arizona’s three leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2010.
They were:
• Transportation fatalities, which include highway, pedestrian, rail and aircraft accidents;
• Assaults and violent acts;
• Falls
There were approximately 3.13 deaths in Arizona for every 100,000 workers in the state’s workforce in 2010.
For the employers out there; Workplace fatalities can be avoided. There are many resources to assist you with workplace safety and employee training. There are companies you can hire to come in, evaluate and implement a safety program if you don’t have the time. And/or there are informative safety libraries that can be purchased for monthly safety meeting with your employees. Keeping your employees trained and your workplace free of safety hazards will save you money in the long run and the potential loss of employees due to injury or death.
For employees; Survey your surroundings and don’t rely on somebody else to provide your safety zone. Look around, make sure you are aware of both present and potential dangers and if you find some, REPORT THEM TO YOUR SUPERVISOR IMMEDIATLY. Your work has an obligation to correct the issue before anybody gets hurt. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times and most accidents can be prevented.
If you have been injured, consult an attorney who specializes in Workers’ Compensation Law (I can recommend a great firm!) so that you can make sure you are receiving all benefits you are entitled to.
Chad T. Snow and his associates at Snow, Carpio, and Weekley are workers compensation attorneys in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. He can be reached at his offices at (602) 532-0700, (520) 647-9000.
In the absence of Chad Snow, blog posted by: April Lang-Snow, Business Manager @ Snow and Carpio, PLC
