Ohio Workplace Fatalities Rise After Lack of Attention To Safety
Feds Find Rise In Ohio Workplace Fatalities As Safe Work Practices and Training Declines
Wright and Schulte LLC has recently learned that Ohio workplace fatalities and injuries are rising since there has been a lack of training and implementation of proper safety measures in Ohio workplaces. According to a report from Insurance Journal, Ohio’s workplace fatalities have increased dramatically since 2011. Federal officials believe lack of attention to safe work training and practices are to blame, along with a lack of experience in the workforce, Insurance Journal reports.
Insurance Journal reports that in 2014, OSHA investigated 46 fatal work accidents in Ohio. In 2011, there were just 38 fatalities. According to data from the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, the manufacturing industry is facing the challenge of trying to do more with less and keeping workers safe with fewer resources. Fewer resources, a lack of awareness, and less experienced workers have led to this increase in workplace fatalities, Wright and Schulte reports.
The attorneys at Wright and Schulte where not surprised to learned, from the report, in 2014 the major causes of Ohio workplace fatalities included falls, workers getting caught in equipment, and workers struck by materials or vehicles. The report does state that in an effort to cut back on any additional fatalities in 2015, OSHA representatives from Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo are encouraging employers to complete additional safety awareness campaigns. Wilkerson hopes these new safety campaigns will reverse the “disturbing trends” of increases in workplace fatalities, he told Insurance Journal.
The firms has many years of experience representing men and women in Ohio work-related or work place injuries and the families of those who have unfortunately been killed while working. Unfortunately victims of work related accidents will encounter what seems to be never ending paperwork and it is always better to consult with an Ohio negligence or perusal injury attorney. Victims of work related accidents should just need to worry about getting better and returning to work. For information on how Wright & Schulte can help you and your family coupe during this time you can contact one of the firms attorneys day or night by calling 1-800-399-0795 or you can research more information on Ohio work-related accidents on yourohiolegalhelp.com
Executive director of trade association Allied Construction Industries, Terry Phillips, told Insurance Journal that there is no single cause of any accident and that manufacturing companies are motivated to keep workers safe. “OSHA’s regulations require the training and the contractors comply because if they don’t, they won’t get the work,” Phillips said.
A quote on Osha’s webisite states: “Making a living shouldn’t have to cost you your life. Workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are preventable. Safe jobs happen because employers make the choice to fulfill their responsibilities and protect their workers.” — Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health
[osha.gov/dep/fatcat/dep_fatcat.html]
According to Bill Wilkerson, director of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Cincinnati area, an estimated 17 fatal workplace accidents have already occurred in fiscal year 2015. Bill Wilkerson told Insurance Journal that job cuts and retirements have led to less experience in the construction field, because new employees are younger and companies are hiring workers with less experience to save money.
Mr. Wilkerson further stated that some fatal accidents could be prevented by using the right equipment for the job. “There may be just too little regard being paid to instructing people on safe work practices, having proper safety programs and procedures in place and making sure that people follow up on these things,” Wilkerson told Insurance Journal.
Contact:
Wright & Schulte LLC
865 S. Dixie Dr.
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
1-800-399-0795
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