| Winter 2009
Workplace Fatalities Decrease
Workplace fatalities decreased in Texas by 13 percent and nationally by 20 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
Motor vehicle operators experienced the largest number of fatalities in 2008 (104), a 30 percent increase from 2007. The second leading occupational group was construction trades workers, with 83 fatalities. Other noteworthy 2008 Texas fatality statistics include:
- Transportation incidents continued to be the leading cause of fatalities (44 percent), a 4 percent increase from 2007.
- Assaults and violent acts accounted for the second highest cause of fatalities (17 percent).
- Fires and explosions caused 23 fatalities, the second highest since 2003. Nearly 30 percent of those fatalities occurred in the construction industry.
- Twenty-eight percent of fatalities involved employees between 35 and 44 years of age. That was the only age group in which fatalities increased over 2007.
- Employees between 18 and 19 years of age experienced the highest decrease in fatalities (79 percent) from 2007.
- White, non-Hispanic employees accounted for 56 percent of the total fatalities.
- Hispanics or Latinos accounted for 32 percent of fatalities.
- Black, non-Hispanics accounted for 8 percent of fatalities.
Use your free safety resources
The online safety resource center includes a multimedia library of free training materials. Many of the resources are available in Spanish. Below are just a few examples of material related to the statistics noted above.
All you need are a Texas Mutual® online username and password. If you don’t have them, click on safety resource center, and then click on New User.
Driving safety
Title: “Driven Driver”
Format: DVD
Summary: Viewers learn how to use their peripheral vision, get familiar with their vehicle, load their vehicle, park and back up. The DVD also covers the importance of seat belts and safe following distances.
Assaults and violent acts
Title: “Workplace Violence Program”
Format: Word document
Summary: This sample safety program helps establish guidelines and procedures for taking preventive measures to minimize the potential for workplace violence.
Construction safety
Title: “Construction Safety Orientation”
Format: Video in English and Spanish
Summary: This 19-minute video covers safety guidelines, fall prevention, ladder safety, electrical safety, heavy equipment, excavations, trenches, lockout-tagout, confined spaces, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, compressed gas and fire safety. Viewers can take a quiz at the end of the video.
Fires and explosions
Title: “Fire Safety”
Format: Video
Summary: This 12-minute video covers common causes of workplace fires. It also explains how to recognize fire hazards and use fire extinguishers.
COMPNEWS - Winter 2009
Want to Control Workers’ Comp Costs and Improve Productivity?
Ten Ways to Improve Your Safety Program
Claim Teams Take Care of Your Injured Workers
Workplace Fatalities Decrease
President's Message:
Rest Easy - Your Agent Gave You Good Advice
You Need to Know
Fraud-Fighting Corner
Reminders
Learn More About the Workers' Comp System