A preliminary report by the Labor Department estimated 4,679 workplace fatalities in the U.S. last year, up from 4,585 in 2013, or 2% year over year.
The report is based on incomplete reporting and initial estimates, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. But if the numbers hold true, the oil and gas industry posted the highest gain at 27% over the previous year. Many of those deaths were in top oil-producing states, including Texas, Wyoming and Colorado. Meanwhile, oil-related deaths in North Dakota fell 32%.
Other industries responsible for the sharp rise include construction, agriculture, manufacturing and mining. The WSJ report also noted that female deaths rose from 8% to 13% last year.
The Labor Department report has stakeholders and legislators across the nation debating how to correct the problem. Some suggest cutting OSHA’s enforcement budget and refocusing on education. Others suggest better, more comprehensive enforcement is the answer.
What do you think is the best answer? Better enforcement, education or something else? Tell us in the comments below.
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