Each year, many workers are killed while on the job, and more are in the construction industry than in any other sector of the United States economy. According to the AFL-CIO, 92 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents in Minnesota in 2016, the latest year for which figures were available. Nationwide, more than 5,100 died on the job. Of these, 991 were killed in workplace accidents while working construction jobs.
In light of such statistics and in spite of the number of workers who have been victims of fatal accidents while on the job, it is heartening to know that Minnesota ranked second overall in the nation in terms of workplace safety. This is according to a survey of workplace safety – among other – statistics compiled and analyzed by WalletHub. In analyzing the figures, the creators of the survey looked at four discrete data points and weighted them differently to accurately reflect their impact on overall safety.
To determine that Minnesota was the second safest state in which to work in the United States, the survey considered fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 full-time workers. This data point was given double weight in the analysis. In Minnesota, 2016 statistics reveal that there were 3.4 fatalities for every 100,000 workers. This is slightly below the national average of 3.6.
Other factors given full weight by the survey in determining workplace safety included injuries and illnesses per 10,000 full-time workers and the median number of days lost to occupational injuries. These data points were balanced against the presence of OSHA plans, which was also accorded full weight in the survey. In spite of such positive data, the fact is that workplace accidents still happen in Minnesota. And when they do, victims should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.