AFL-CIO Says 265,000 Hurt or Injured on VA Jobsites

Jul 1, 2013 | Workers' Compensation

The AFL-CIO recently released its 22nd annual report on work-related deaths and injuries, Death on the Job: The Toll of NeglectThe report said that there were 3.8 million reported cases of work-related illnesses and injuries and 4,693 people killed at work in 2011. The report also noted that 50,000 people die each year because of occupational illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous materials or situations.

Fatal accidents at work are the most prevalent in the following sectors: transportation and warehousing, construction and forestry/agriculture/fishing/hunting. Each of these industry sectors relies on heavy equipment, raising the likelihood of a fatality when a work-related accident occurs.

In Virginia alone, reported worker injuries and illnesses totaled 88,500 in 2011. However, because of underreporting, the AFL-CIO estimates that the true number of people harmed in the workplace is closer to 265,000. These figures do not account for illnesses and injuries that are related to work, such as chronic health conditions caused by exposure to harmful materials.

The organization reported 127 work-related deaths in Virginia in 2011.

Causes included:

  • Transportation accidents, 61
  • Assault and violence, 23
  • Workplace equipment accidents, 20
  • Hazardous materials/environments, 12
  • Falls, 10
  • Fires and explosions, 1

Some workers die as a result of violence at the workplace. Death by homicide and suicide is the second-leading cause of death on the job, in Virginia and nationwide.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, 227 Virginia residents died in violent incidents at the workplace during 2003-2010. However, worker safety issues are most often related to unsafe conditions, hazardous activities and workplace accidents.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry conducts workplace inspections for hazards and responds to worker concerns about safety. The department lists the most common safety violations in the state. For construction sites, failure to provide fall protection to workers is the No. 1 violation. In general industry, the most common citation is for failure to provide respiratory protection to workers.

Workers who are injured or become sick because of their jobs, and people who have lost family members in job-related deaths, may be entitled to compensation. The Richmond workers’ compensation lawyers at Geoff McDonald and Associates in Richmond helps clients get justice and receive compensation for work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Unless We Win







    How Long Can You Draw Workers’ Compensation in Virginia?

    If you suffered an injury during a workplace accident, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Compensation for future disabilities is complex and involves many factors. So, how long can you draw workers’...

    I Received Paperwork From Workers Comp, Should I Sign the Documents?

    When you get paperwork from the workers’ compensation insurance company, it’s time to talk to an attorney. It’s important to know exactly what you’re signing.  The paperwork might be something as simple as an agreed statement of fact where they list all the facts...

    What if I Was Injured on the Job by Defective Machinery?

    Any time you are injured by a defective product or workplace machinery, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney. These cases have added layers of complexity and different parties could be involved based on the specific circumstances.  For example, if you were using a...

    Our Case Results

    $4,700,000
    Industrial Plant Accident

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Jeffrey A. Breit and Justin M. Sheldon Our client was killed in an industrial accident when an unauthorized worker was operating an overhead crane and pinned our client between…

    $1,750,000
    Rear-End Crash

    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial trauma, a dislocated hip and severe abdominal trauma when she was rear-ended at a traffic light by a tractor trailer. Suit was commenced shortly after…

    $1,250,000
    Assault of Log Truck Driver

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Frank H. Hupfl, Justin M. Sheldon.
    Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being assaulted and knocked to the ground while fueling his logging…

    $860,000
    Drunk Driving Crash

    Our client suffered neck/head trauma and a broken wrist after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was stopped at a traffic light. Upon rejection of a settlement offer of $325,000, our litigation…

    $700,000
    Rear-End Collision

    Attorneys for the Plaintiff: Justin M. Sheldon and Geoff R. McDonald, Richmond
    GMA’s client was injured as a result of a rear-end collision in the greater Richmond area. The crash occurred a little after…

    Client Reviews

    Cheryl and Rich were wonderful and patient with me throughout the case. All of my questions were answered. They really helped me through this tough time and made sure to let me know what was going on. I really thank Geoff…

    Troy Saxby

    My experience with GMA staff was first rate. They always represented in a professional way and made sure I had everything as far as paperwork. Kara and Theo made sure to answer all my questions, was always available and so…

    Shirley Brown

    Geoff McDonald & Associates is the team that you want on the field if you’re in need of top notch legal defense! Mr. Taj Henley demonstrated true customer service skills and his expertise made me feel comfortable throughout the…

    Julian Reeves

    Geoff McDonald & Associates: Thank you Taj Henley for all of your hard work and dedication! Very expeditious in my case and I was very satisfied with my settlement. Will recommend to all my friends and family!

    Shareema Williams

    Geoff is number one in my book and I especially appreciate the support of Mr Henley

    Ebony Conwell

    I was so pleased with the knowledge and support from Mr. Taj Henley

    Kideem Frierson

    Thank you Geoff McDonald &Associates. A special thank you to Mr. Taj Henley

    Denise Conwell

    Mr. Taj Henley displays exceptional professionalism for Geoff McDonald & Associates, along with commendable communication skills and customer service. By his work ethic and commitment to the people he serves his value to any…

    Justin Fitzgerald