Pennsylvania Work-Related Injury Statistics

Work injuries occur frequently and with dangerous consequences. During 2006, 240 workers died from work-related injuries in Pennsylvania. The causes are numerous – among those 240 fatalities, the reasons for the injuries included:

• Transportation accidents – 89 deaths
• Contact with equipment or objects – 44 deaths
• Assaults and violent acts – 40 deaths
• Falls – 37 deaths
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments – 22 deaths
• Fires or explosions – 8 deaths

Considering that more than 85,000 workers are injured each year in Pennsylvania, these numbers are hardly surprising. Accidents are dangerous, and when they occur in a workplace, the potential for deadly consequences is immense. In fact, in the United States, accidents are the leading cause of death among people in the age group of 38 years and older, according to the National Safety Council.

Unsafe equipment is a common culprit, causing 10-15 percent of all industrial injuries in this country. Whether equipment is inherently defective or improperly assembled within a worksite, injuries can easily happen around heavy or sharp machinery. Other factors include:

• Highway accidents – 1,188 caused work injuries within the U.S. during 2006.
• Homicides – 461 employees in private industry jobs in the U.S. were murdered at or around work during 2006.

Certain industries have seen a higher percentage of fatal accidents. The most dangerous industries by the number of work fatalities include:

• Construction – 1,226 fatal work injuries in the U.S. during 2006.
• Mining – 47 fatal work injuries in the U.S. during 2006, an increase of 19 percent.
• Professional and business services – while work fatalities decreased by 7 percent overall in the U.S. during 2006, the number of fatal injury in education, healthcare, leisure and hospitality services still saw an increase.

The bottom line is, work injuries can happen to anyone and anywhere, regardless of the type of industry or the level of danger. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or illness on the job, you need experienced legal representation to help fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact the Scranton workers’ compensation attorneys of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C.

Our Scranton workers' compensation lawyers have more than 40 years of experience fighting for the injured. Our offices in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre provide direct access to local communities where workers' compensation matters are litigated.

Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. If you have been hurt on the job, please contact us online or by telephone 1-800-318-LAW1 today for an assessment of your case.