In the United States, workplace fatalities happen at an alarming rate, with a worker's death occurring every 96 minutes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 5,500 fatal worker injuries in 2022. This marks a 6% increase from 2021 and a 3% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
To combat this devastating trend, the National Safety Council launched the Work to Zero initiative in 2019. This program, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, seeks to educate employers on technological safety enhancements that can reduce workplace deaths. The initiative began with a comprehensive research report in 2020, which identified critical workplace hazards and potential technological solutions.
What did the 2023 follow-up study reveal about worker injuries?
In 2023, Work to Zero revisited its initial findings and released the "Safety Technology 2024" report. This study examined changes in safety technology implementation over the previous three years.
The 2023 survey revealed an increased likelihood of exposure to all workplace risks included in the study. Employees reported the most significant increases in risk exposure. Fatigue remains the most predominant risk across all industries and the largest contributor to worker injuries. Workplace violence is considered the least common exposure. However, concerns regarding these incidents have grown significantly since 2020.
The study also found a positive trend in technology acceptance. Employers increasingly view safety solutions as relevant to workplace hazards. Moreover, 83% of employees expressed openness to trying and using new safety technologies. The most notable increases in technology usage were observed in risk management software, proximity sensors, and drones.
What obstacles hinder the adoption of safety technologies?
Despite growing acceptance, several barriers impede the widespread adoption of safety technologies. According to the report, that includes:
- Resource constraints: Purchase costs remain an obstacle for employers, though concerns have decreased since 2020.
- Privacy concerns: Employers worry about data collection, privacy issues, and security.
- Limited understanding of benefits: Perceptions of current technologies and their ability to meet organizational needs can either drive or hinder the acceptance of new safety technologies.
The NSC Work to Zero Safety Innovation Journey provides a framework for organizations to assess risks, identify technology solutions, and prepare workplaces for implementation. As workplace hazards continue to evolve, the role of technology in reducing worker injuries and fatalities becomes increasingly important.
The initiative hopes to eliminate workplace fatalities by providing employers with the knowledge and tools to implement safety innovations.
Hurt on the job in Ohio? Find out how to get workers' comp benefits
If you were hurt on the job in Ohio, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses, wage loss, and rehabilitation. However, the process can be difficult, especially if it's your first time filing a claim after a workplace injury.
The Ohio workers' comp attorneys at Hochman & Plunkett can help you file an error-free claim, handle all paperwork, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. With over 150 years of combined experience, we understand Ohio's labor laws inside and out and know how to fight for the rights of injured workers.
Don't wait to protect your future. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Our legal team can provide honest answers, explain your potential legal options, and advise you on what to do next. We have law offices across Ohio, including Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, Troy, and Columbus.