Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
In April, events across Massachusetts paid tribute to the 63 MA workers killed on-the-job in 2015. In addition to honoring the victims and their families, ‘Workers’ Memorial Day’ also served to highlight worker safety in general. According to Jeff Newton, membership and communications coordinator for the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH), “Sixty-three workers in the State of Massachusetts lost their lives to dangerous jobs last year.” Newton went on to say, “One thing we want to make the public aware of is that dangerous jobs are still claiming far too many workers in the state.” Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today.
Dying for Work in Massachusetts
MassCOSH recently released a report titled “Dying for Work in Massachusetts” that calls attention to the problems surrounding worker safety. The report details the ways in which workers were killed, and it addresses increasing safety concerns for immigrant workers specifically. According to the report, immigrant workers have a significantly higher risk of being fatally injured in a work-related accident.
Workers’ Memorial Day
Every April, Workers’ Memorial Day celebrates the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. At the main event at the State House in Boston, and supporting events in Springfield and Northampton, speakers educate and inform the public about workplace safety. “And what we will be doing is reading the names of the workers killed aloud, and we will be having labor leaders speak as well as having family members who lost a loved one speak as to why workplace safety needs to be a higher public priority,” Newton said.
20% of Nationwide Worker Deaths are Construction Related
More than 4,600 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2014, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Of those deaths, about 20% occurred in the construction industry, one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Although construction jobs are inherently dangerous, the risk of serious injury and death can be dramatically reduced when employers follow safety precautions, provide adequate training and supervision to workers, and perform routine maintenance and inspections on all equipment. In addition, workers should always be provided with proper safety gear, such as harnesses, safety goggles, hard hats, and any other equipment necessary for the specific job.
Most Dangerous Jobs
Any job can pose health and safety risks. However, some are inherently more dangerous than others. The most dangerous jobs in the U.S. include:
- Fishers
- Loggers
- Pilots
- Iron and steel workers
- Roofers
- Farmers
- Truck drivers
- Power line workers
- Construction workers
- Police officers
- Industrial machinery workers
- Electricians
- Firefighters
Altman & Altman, LLP – Serving all of Massachusetts for More than 50 Years
If you have been injured on the job, we can help. Our team of workers’ comp attorneys has been fighting for the rights of Massachusetts workers for decades. We can help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. If negligence played a role in your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
