Transportation workers, sales employees, roadside construction workers, and emergency responders risk their lives each day to earn a living.
The Ohio Department of Transportation recently issued a reminder for drivers to move over and slow down in work zones. An ODOT crew was recently struck by a semi-truck on Interstate 75 in Hamilton County. The incident happened around midnight. No serious injuries were reported.
How common are transportation-related work injuries?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report on December 17, 2019. The report concludes that out of 5,250 workplace fatalities in 2018, nearly 40 percent were caused by transportation-related incidents. Out of 2,080 transportation-related fatalities:
- 1,276 involved motorized land vehicles
- 225 involved nonroadway vehicles
- 325 involved a pedestrian or worker not inside a vehicle
Which industries are the most at risk?
Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers accounted for the most work-related fatalities at 966 in 2018.
- Bus drivers — 16 deaths
- Driver/sales workers and truck drivers — 966 deaths
- Taxi drivers and chauffeurs — 47 deaths
- Miscellaneous motor vehicle operators — 13 deaths
Workplace safety advocates explore ways to prevent occupational motor vehicle crashes
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released a 10-year strategic plan for its Center for Motor Vehicle Safety to mitigate work-related crashes. The 2020-2029 strategic plan prioritizes research for these industry sectors:
- Oil and gas extraction
- Public safety
- Transportation, warehousing, and utilities
- Wholesale and retail trade
The purpose of the strategic plan is to:
- Better understand how risk factors can lead to occupational motor vehicle crashes and convey this information to employers and workers.
- Explore the effectiveness of engineering and technology-based methods for preventing occupational motor vehicle crashes and injuries.
- Explore the effectiveness of motor vehicle safety management programs and determine which ones should be adopted.
Do I qualify for workers' compensation if I'm injured in a motor vehicle crash?
Occupational motor vehicle crashes often cause serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Traffic accidents usually involve reckless or negligent drivers or vehicle defects, but you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, as long as your crash occurred within the scope of your employment. This covers your medical expenses and lost wages during recovery.
The Ohio attorneys at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and pursuing benefits. We represent clients in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, and Troy. Contact us online to find out how we can help maximize your chances of obtaining benefits.