In a study that was released pre-pandemic by the state’s Department of Labor it was found that workplace deaths are on the rise in Connecticut. The study found that deaths in the workplace reached their highest point since 2010 in 2018. This is a staggering and concerning number.
Connecticut workers’ compensation claims can be filed on behalf of a deceased family member and survivor benefits may be applied if the death was a result of an on the job incident.
The study that was released by the Connecticut Department of Labor found some really staggering numbers as it related to workplace deaths.
- 48 total workplace deaths in 2018 (up 23% from the average annual number from a 26-year period in the state)
- 190 lives lost between 2014 and 2018
- Fatal injury rate of 2.8 per 100,000 full-time workers
That last number was the only glimmer of good news in the report as the fatal injury rate in the state of Connecticut in 2018 was actually lower than the national average which was 3.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers.
When the study looked at what industries were the worst for work related deaths it found no surprises as the construction industry was at the top of the list with a fatal injury rate of 10.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. Not far behind the construction industry was the transportation and utilities industry which reported a fatal injury rate of 10.2.
Safety must be at the forefront of all industries as the state continues to grapple with how to handle this rise in workplace related deaths.
If you believe a loved one died as a direct result of a workplace accident, you may want to contact our office and speak with one of our board certified workers’ compensation attorneys who can review your loved one’s case.
