If you work in an especially dangerous field, or you have a loved one employed in a hazardous occupation, it is crucial to understand the various risks that are present and discuss concerns you have with your loved ones. In Nebraska and across the country, far too many people pass away in these accidents and leave behind loved ones who face serious financial hardships in addition to devastating emotional pain.
It is vital for employers as well as workers to focus on preventing deadly workplace accidents.
Looking at the prevalence of workplace fatalities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44 workers lost their lives in on-the-job accidents during 2018 in Nebraska. While these fatalities represent a decrease in comparison to 1994, when 83 Nebraska workers died, they also represent an increase when compared to 2017, when 35 workers died in the state. Across the U.S., more than 5,000 workers lost their lives in accidents that occurred on the job. The BLS reports that 95% of those who died in job-related accidents in Nebraska during 2018 were men and more workers died in transportation-related accidents than any other type of accident.
Looking at the impact of fatal work accidents
When a worker dies on the job, their loved ones likely have an array of hardships to work through. For example, those with kids often leave their family with significant financial strain, whether they struggle to buy food or pay for the cost of a child’s college education. Fortunately, workers’ compensation offers death benefits to some eligible family members, which helps address these financial difficulties.