Donna Motley
Vice President of Claims
I read a recent statistic listing the “most dangerous” jobs; they were :
- Logging
- Fishing & Hunting
- Structural Iron & Steel Workers
- Roofing
- Aircraft pilots.
Dissecting these professions support the “danger” of the job. However, “danger” does not necessarily equal injury severity or frequency.
Statistics reflect more than one-third of U.S. workers are hurt on the job within their first year and that 35% of workplace injuries occur during the initial 12 months of employment. Would this be a training question or issue?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the average age of U.S. workers is ticking higher; one in four will be 55 or older by 2033. Associated with an aging workforce comes an increase in chronic health conditions and co-morbidities resulting in possibly a co-mingling of injuries/diagnoses and, understandably, a longer recovery time.
The National statistic for “fatalities” for the year 2002 is 5,524 – which was a 6.6% decrease from the prior year (2001). The National statistic for “fatalities” in 2023 was 5,283 which was a 3.7% decrease from 2022. In essence in the course of 21 years there were only 241 fewer fatalities. In 2021, Michigan had 140 fatalities; in 2022 – 139; and in 2023 – 166 (an increase).
The National 2023 statistic for fatalities as the result of Transportation incidents totaled 1,942 (1,252 were roadway incidents involving motor vehicles); slips & trips totaled 885. Of the 885 slips & trips, 725 were a fall to a lower level and 140 were a same level fall. Compare the 2023 total of falls (885) to the 2002 total of 714. Again, in a 21 year span, an increase of 171 fatalities.
As of 2022 Michigan has a higher percent over the National numbers relating to (category) Violence and other injuries by persons or animals; falls, slips & trips and contact with objects and equipment – up 23% from prior years.
As of 2022 Michigan has a lower than National number relating to Transportation incidents (which declined) and Exposure to harmful substances or environments.
A lot of statistics – some indicate Michigan is improving but some indicate Michigan (and nationally) improvements need to be sought. In this day and age, with technology and knowledge available, one would think all the numbers would be lower. With an aging workforce rapidly encroaching, the numbers may increase. The statistics above do not take into account the dollars associated with these incidents. A simple slip and trip can result is a lifetime of benefits. How do your company’s statistics compare to years past? Or to the State or National totals? Safety, through education, training and implementation is at your disposal while insured with MTMIC. Feel free to contact MTM’s Loss Control or Claims Department to seek ways to improve your number!”
