For most of human history, workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities were simply seen as an unfortunate but inevitable part of the job. Whether in agriculture, manufacturing, or the early days of the Industrial Revolution, workers faced significant risks without the benefit of modern safety protocols or protections. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as industrialization rapidly expanded, that awareness of worker safety began to take hold. And yet, even today—decades after the creation of safety regulations and agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—workplace injuries and fatalities remain a major issue in the United States.
While substantial progress has been made to protect workers, workplace accidents continue to exact a heavy toll in both human and economic costs. In this article, we will explore the role of OSHA, discuss the current state of workplace safety, and provide updated statistics on injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Furthermore, we’ll examine how organizations are addressing safety concerns, and how workers can protect themselves from harm on the job.
The Role of OSHA: Protecting America’s Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established by the U.S. government in 1971 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The agency is tasked with ensuring that workers in the United States are provided with a safe and healthy work environment by setting and enforcing safety standards. OSHA’s mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance to workers and employers alike.
OSHA covers most private sector employees, all federal employees, and many employees at the state level. While OSHA has faced its share of criticism—particularly regarding the cost of compliance for businesses and the perceived ineffectiveness of some penalties—it has nonetheless played a crucial role in improving workplace safety standards over the years.
One of the key criticisms of OSHA has been its perceived leniency in enforcing penalties and holding companies accountable for violations. For example, OSHA has only secured a handful of criminal convictions for workplace safety violations since its creation. A review by The New York Times in 2003 showed that out of 1,242 serious reports of unsafe conditions, OSHA failed to pursue prosecution in 93% of cases. This has led some critics to argue that OSHA’s penalties are too weak to deter unsafe practices effectively.
However, despite these shortcomings, OSHA continues to oversee and enforce important regulations designed to reduce workplace hazards, particularly in industries with high risks like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. OSHA’s guidelines have resulted in significant improvements in the safety of working environments, but there is still much work to be done.
The Numbers: Work-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Illnesses in the U.S.
Despite the existence of OSHA and other safety regulations, workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities remain disturbingly high. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and OSHA, the numbers for the last few years paint a grim picture of the ongoing challenges faced by American workers.
Workplace Fatalities
In 2021, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States, a slight increase from the 5,333 deaths in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents an average of 13 workplace deaths per day. The rise in fatalities can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected workers in healthcare, transportation, and public services.
In particular, transportation accidents continue to be the leading cause of workplace deaths, accounting for about 40% of all fatal work injuries. This includes accidents involving trucks, buses, trains, and aircraft. Violence in the workplace is another significant issue, with workplace homicides accounting for about 10% of all work-related deaths.
Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
In addition to fatalities, workplace injuries and illnesses are widespread. According to OSHA, in 2021, there were 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private sector employers. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious incidents, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Certain industries remain far more dangerous than others. The construction industry, for example, continues to account for a large percentage of workplace injuries and fatalities. “The Fatal Four” hazards—falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents—are the leading causes of death on construction sites, and OSHA continues to focus efforts on improving safety in these areas.
Workplace Illnesses and Respiratory Issues
In addition to injuries, many workers face long-term health risks due to hazardous materials and unsafe working conditions. For example, workers exposed to toxic chemicals or airborne pollutants may develop respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for better respiratory protection and safer practices in industries that require close contact between workers, such as healthcare, meatpacking, and transportation.
The Economic Impact of Workplace Injuries and Fatalities
The economic costs of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities are staggering. According to OSHA’s estimates, the real cost of each life lost in the workplace is approximately $8.7 million. This takes into account lost wages, medical expenses, and the long-term impact on families and communities. With approximately 5,000 workplace fatalities per year, the total annual economic cost of workplace deaths alone exceeds $40 billion.
In addition to the human toll, workplace injuries lead to lost productivity, workers’ compensation claims, and significant costs for employers to replace injured workers. The total cost of workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States—including medical costs, lost wages, and legal fees—runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
The Positive Impact of Workplace Safety Programs
While the statistics surrounding workplace injuries and fatalities are concerning, there is good news as well. Many companies have recognized the long-term benefits of investing in workplace safety programs. According to a survey by the National Safety Council, employers who implemented comprehensive safety programs saw improvements in a variety of areas:
- 43% of employers cited improved productivity as the most significant benefit of safety programs.
- 28% saw reduced costs related to workplace injuries and illnesses.
- 7% noted better employee retention as a result of safety initiatives.
- 6% found that these programs boosted employee morale and job satisfaction.
These benefits demonstrate that investing in safety not only helps prevent injuries but also improves overall business performance. Companies that prioritize safety create a healthier, more productive workforce, which in turn benefits their bottom line.
In Texas, for example, the Texas Department of Insurance runs the Division of Worker’s Compensation, which helps employers and employees navigate workplace safety issues. The Division works to reduce workplace injuries and ensure workers have the resources they need to address safety concerns.
Ongoing Areas of Concern and the Future of Workplace Safety
Despite improvements over the years, there are still areas of concern that require ongoing attention. According to OSHA’s 2023 National Emphasis Program (NEP), some of the most significant risks include:
- Fall Prevention: Construction sites remain a major focus for fall prevention measures.
- Scaffolding Compliance: Many construction companies still struggle with adhering to proper scaffolding safety standards.
- Hazardous Communication: Employers are required to inform workers about the presence of hazardous chemicals, but many fail to properly label or communicate risks.
- Respiratory Protection: Ensuring workers in high-risk environments (e.g., healthcare, manufacturing) have the right protective equipment to avoid inhaling toxic substances.
Protecting Workers in the 21st Century
Workplace safety remains a critical issue for American workers, even as regulations, programs, and standards continue to evolve. While OSHA has made significant strides in reducing workplace deaths and injuries, there is still much work to be done. As industries change, new hazards emerge, and new safety concerns must be addressed.
For employers, creating a culture of safety is more than a legal obligation—it is an investment in the well-being of their employees and the future of their business. For workers, it is crucial to remain informed about their rights, report unsafe conditions, and advocate for better safety measures.
At Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., we understand how devastating a workplace injury can be. If you have been injured on the job, it’s important to know your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help guide you through the process, from filing claims to securing the benefits you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your future.
For companies in the marketplace today, increased awareness of safety issues and standards is of the utmost importance if those numbers are to be further improved. Companies can and must be more proactive in their efforts to educate employees and management to ensure that everyone within the enterprise practices safe habits to protect themselves and others from harm. Thanks to an increased focus on workplace safety, today’s working environments are much safer than they were just a few short decades ago. With the unity of purpose, they can be made even safer yet.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
Our Texas personal injury lawyers help clients who have suffered injuries in various accidents.
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
With over 100 years of combined experience among the legal team of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., our Texas personal injury attorneys have successfully resolved over 20,000 cases. When representing injured Texas residents, we fight for justice against wrongdoing and aggressively pursue the best resolution to complex personal injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured, please get in touch with us for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is a locally based law firm that holds negligent individuals and companies accountable for their wrongdoing. We are not a personal injury mill that advertises nationwide. We provide individualized advocacy in attending to all aspects of claims that involve. Our firm has offices in the following locations: Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Dallas, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Ft. Worth, TX.
We remain by our client’s side, handling all aspects of their claims and attending to all legal, medical, and financial needs. That dedication combines experience, legal knowledge, and insight from a former insurance adjuster and several former insurance defense attorneys. Whether our clients suffer from physical pain from an accident or the emotional grief of death, we treat clients with compassion. We put their mind at ease during difficult times by answering their questions concerning the length of their claim, medical bills, financial compensation, and their overall need for a lawyer.
