Going to work each day can be a dangerous activity for many workers in Nebraska and the U.S. A look at how many workers die and receive injuries reveals some vital truths about occupational dangers.
This information can also shine a light on jobs that pose a greater risk to workers.
Fatalities and injuries in Nebraska
According to recent information from the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries totaled 44 in Nebraska in 2018. The number of fatalities increased by nine from the previous year. Historically, workplace fatalities in Nebraska have ranged from a high of 83 in 1994 and 2002 to a low of 35 in 2017.
Three major categories of accidents—transportation, slips, trips and falls and contact with objects or equipment—accounted for 82 percent of all fatalities in the state. By industry, private agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry recorded the highest number of fatalities with 13 workplace deaths. The private construction industry recorded the second highest deaths with nine in 2018.
Deaths and injuries in the U.S.
According to information on the United States Department of Labor website, 5250 workers died on the job in the U.S. in 2018. This amounts to more than 14 deaths a day. The private construction industry accounted for more than 21 percent of these deaths.
Falls on the job topped the list of causes of death, followed by struck by object, electrocution and caught-in-between. The caught-in-between category covers the following situations: workers killed when they are caught in-between equipment, compressed by equipment or objects, or struck, caught, or crushed in equipment, structures or materials.