Good news just surfaced for those working in high-risk industries in North Carolina. According to the state Department of Labor, North Carolina once again cracked the top ten in safest states in which to work in the United States for 2012. Even better, the state dropped its workplace-related fatality total by 34 percent from 53 deaths in 2011 to 35 during 2012.
The decline in workplace injuries that lead to fatalities is confirmation for the department and officials that their focus on preventing workplace injuries and accidents from occurring is working. In the past year, they have put forward more effort and resources at prevention programs while partnering with local industries in order to drop potential fatalities. The ultimate goal is to get to zero, but any step in the right direction, especially one so large is met with great optimism by the department.
Of the 35 workplace fatalities that occurred, all but one was a male victim and all took place in 25 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The overall injury and illness rates for North Carolina are however “at an all-time low” of 3.1 per 100 full-time workers.” It appears that the state’s Department of Labor and their joint efforts with business and industry leaders is indeed making a difference in workplace safety when it comes to preventing fatal injuries.
While rates of fatal workplace injuries are falling, many types of workplace injuries occur on a regular basis. If you have suffered from an injury or illness from your work environment, please contact an attorney practiced in workers’ compensation law. Their knowledge and skill will assist you in determining the best legal options available to you.
Source: wral.com, “Work-related fatalities declining in NC,” Angie Basiouny, Jan. 14, 2013
