Atlanta Injury Lawyers Blog

We continue to read through new data released by the U.S. Department of Labor relating to work related deaths in Georgia. As an Atlanta work injury attorney, this information is of critical importance to us as it indicates in which industries our Clients are most at risk. The figures also reveal other statistical information, such as the average age of workers in occupational accidents, which assist Georgia injury attorneys in determining which Clients are more susceptible to work accidents.

Georgia workers compensation attorneys may be interested to learn that, of the 171 workers compensation deaths in Georgia in 2008, almost one-third (52) involved workers between the ages of 45-54. This statistical group was followed by 35 fatalities involving Georgia workers ages 35-44, and 30 deaths involving workers ages 25-34. Interestingly, older workers were just as susceptible to work related deaths in Georgia in 2008, as there were 35 deaths involving workers age 55 and older.

Another interesting data set released by the Department of Labor shows that of the 171 work deaths in Atlanta and throughout Georgia in 2008, 78 occurred in goods producing industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing. Another 78 deaths occurred in service providing industries such as banking, leisure and hospitality, and the transportation. The remaining fatalities, 15, were related to government work activity, with 5 occurring at the federal level, and 10 at the local level.

A posting on our Atlanta Injury Lawyer blog last week discussed a recent statistical report published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle indicating that the number of Georgia workers compensation deaths declined in 2008. As an Atlanta workers compensation attorney, I had speculated that this drop was likely due to the U.S. economical climate which has led to a slowdown in the construction industry. Much to my surprise, however, further research has revealed that most workers compensation fatalities in Georgia are not related to work site accidents.

In 2008, of the 171 work deaths reported to the State Board of Workers Compensation, more than one-third were caused by car and truck accidents occurring in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Specifically, 62 work accident fatalities were caused by car and truck accidents. As both an Atlanta car accident attorney and an Atlanta workers compensation attorney, this figure was unexpected.

Following car and truck accidents, the most common cause of work related deaths in Georgia was "contact with objects and equipment" and "falls," which each accounted for 28 work fatalities. "Assaults and violent acts" resulted in 26 occupational deaths in Georgia, with "fires or explosions" (16) and "exposure to harmful substances" (11) accounting for the remainder fatalities.