Workplace deaths in this country have risen over the last few years with the expansion of employment, labor, and the economy. Oklahoma was ranked as the 11th most dangerous state for workers in 2018 in a recent survey of all the states by AdvisorSmith,. This data reflects the importance of seeking workers’ compensation for work-related injuries.
Survey
According to this research, there were 3.4 workplace deaths per 100,000 workers in the United States in 2018. The state with the lowest fatality rate had 1.5 deaths per 100,000 workers while the state with the highest rate had 11.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers.
Oklahoma was the 11th most dangerous state. It had 91 work-place deaths in 2018. This constituted 5.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers which was also higher than the national average.
Wyoming topped the list as the most dangerous state with 31 fatalities or 11.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Even though it is the least populated state, Wyoming has the highest occupational death rate for workers because of its economy. Mining, agriculture, and extraction of natural resources such as coal, oil and natural gas are major business activities. Workers in these business sectors are more likely to suffer fatal injuries.
Delaware was the safest state in 2018. It had seven worker deaths and a fatality rate of 1.5 per 100,000 workers. Delaware has a diversified economy which includes education, government services, banking, technology, and healthcare. On average, these industries have lower fatality rates.
Diverse work
As these ratings show, the country has a large and diversified economy which impacts worker safety in each state. The economy includes professions with low or practically nonexistent death rates such as office workers. But more America workers are employed in dangerous work such as natural resources, construction, and delivery.
Regulations from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other federal laws govern workplaces in each state. But each state may also impose additional workplace laws and rules that can play a role in reducing injuries.
State workers’ compensation systems also play a role in workplace safety. Each state sets the rates that employers pay for workers’ compensation insurance. Employers may impose workplace safety measures to lower their insurance costs.
Work-related injuries can have long-term health, financial and occupational consequences. Seeking compensation for these injuries may be complicated. An injured worker should seek legal representation to assure that they do not give up important rights.