The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that Georgia was no. 6 most deadly state for on-the-job deaths in 2015. According to the report, 180 people were killed in Georgia by workplace injuries. That was 4.3 per 100,000 full time workers. The number was up sharply from 152 fatal workplace injuries reported in Georgia in 2014. Nationally, a total of 4,836 on-the-job deaths were recorded in 2015. The number of deaths involving transportation incidents increased in 2015. Roadway incidents were up 9 percent in 2015 to 1264 and accounted for 26% of all fatal work injuries. Almost half of these fatalities involved a semi, tractor-trailer, or tanker truck.

In another report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 103,000 injuries and illnesses reported at Georgia workplaces in 2015, down from 105,000 the previous year. The rate of injury was only slighter higher than the national average of 3 injuries for every 100 workers. Among private employers, Georgia saw about 78,000 injuries, a decrease from 80,000 in 2014. There was a reduction in injuries related to several manufacturing professions and this is due in part to stricter safety regulations being imposed on businesses by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.. The rate of injuries was highest among highway and bridge construction crews, at a rate of 6.6 injuries for every 100 workers. The industry reporting the lowest rate of injuries was telecommunications.

Here are the 13 industries and professions with the highest rate of injury or illness in Georgia:

• Animal Production and Aquaculture: 16.5 injuries for every 100 workers
• Nonscheduled Air Transportation: 11 injuries for every 100 workers
• Couriers and Messengers: 9.2 injuries for every 100 workers
• Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills: 8.5 injuries for every 100 workers
• Rental and Leasing Services: 8 injuries for every 100 workers
• Beverage Manufacturing: 7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores: 6.7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Highway, Street and Bridge Construction: 6.6 injuries for every 100 workers
• Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors: 5.9 injuries for every 100 workers
• Hospitals: 5.7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 5.3 injuries for every 100 workers
• Boiler, Tank and Shipping Container Manufacturing: 5.1 injuries for every 100 workers

Although many experts commented that Georgia is heading in the right direction proven by its reduction in workplace injuries, Georgia’s fatal work injuries remained high. It means that not enough preventative measures have been taken to protect our workers from injuries across the state.

So if you or a family member have been hurt at work and have any issues with promptly receiving medical treatment, call Poirier Law today for help and for a free consultation. The Poirier Law Firm has represented injured workers for over 16 years. You deserve to have a zealous advocate in your corner!