BLS Releases 2010 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Later This Month

According to Occupational Health & Safety, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) online magazine, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will be releasing its 2010 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) on August 25. It remains to be seen whether or not fatality numbers, especially in the construction industry, have maintained their decreasing trend since the economic recession.

In 2009, occupational fatalities had fallen drastically from those in 2008 as the result of the weakened economy. There were approximately 4,340 work fatalities in 2009, which was a 17 percent decrease from the 2008 final count of 5,214. The 2009 number was the smallest preliminary annual count in the CFOI’s history since its start in 1992. The sharpest decrease was in construction.

The construction industry still accounted for more worker fatalities than other occupational industries in 2009, but the economic recession brought a decrease in total hours worked, which subsequently resulted in a drop in fatal construction injuries. In 2009, total construction fatalities decreased 16 percent, after a startling decline of 19 percent in 2008. Private-sector construction fatalities had also decreased.

As one of the most dangerous and complex occupational industries, construction traditionally sees the highest number of worker fatalities. Construction workers are required to do their jobs in a number of hazardous situations including:

• underground in trenches;
• high above ground on scaffolds;
• using complicated machinery;
• using dangerous tools;
• close to strong electric currents; and
• exposure to noxious chemicals or other substances.

Without taking the appropriate and required safety precautions and without having the proper training, construction workers are at high risk of serious injury or death.

If you have suffered a construction accident injury in Southern California as the result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a property owner, contractor, sub-contractor or another employee, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses and damages associated with your injuries. Contact the experienced San Fernando Valley construction accident lawyers of The Mandell Law Firm today at (818) 886-6600 to learn more about your legal rights and options.