A new study has identified the states with the biggest increase in fatal workplace injuries over the past decade, with Massachusetts named the state with the highest rise.
Personal injury attorneys
John Foy & Associates analyzed data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the percentage increase or decrease in fatal workplace injuries from 2012 to 2021, alongside the injury rate, to provide a fair comparison between states.
The state with the highest increase in fatal workplace injuries was Massachusetts, as cases increased by 107% since 2012. It was also the only place to see fatal injuries more than double over the last decade, despite recording fewer fatalities than any other state in 2012.
Following in second place was Missouri, as workplace injuries increased by almost two-thirds (64%). The state recorded a fatal injury rate of 3.3 in 2012, which then grew to 5.4 in 2021.
In third was Georgia, which saw workplace fatalities increase by 60% over the last decade. The state went from a rate of 2.5 fatal workplace injuries in 2012 to 4 in 2021. New Hampshire had the fourth-highest percentage increase in fatal workplace injuries at 45%.
Rounding out the top five was South Carolina, with an increase of 43%. South Carolina had a fatal workplace injury rate of 3.5 in 2012, which rose to 5 in 2021.
The states with the biggest increase in workplace injuries
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Injury Rate 2012
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Injury Rate 2021
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10-Year Increase
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1
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Massachusetts
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1.4
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2.9
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107%
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On the other end of the scale, several states were found to have a decline in fatal workplace injuries from 2012 to 2021. Iowa had the biggest percentage decrease at 50%, with a fatal workplace injury rate of 6.6 in 2012 which halved to 3.3 in 2021.
North Dakota similarly saw a significant decline in fatal workplace injuries, with a decrease of 49%. North Dakota’s workplace injury rate was the highest across all states in 2012 at 17.7, which shrunk to 9 in 2021.
Just ahead was Rhode Island with a percentage decrease of 41%. Rhode Island also recorded the lowest fatal injury rate across all states in 2021.
The state with the fourth biggest decline in fatal workplace injuries was Mississippi. The state’s injury rate reached 5.5 in 2012 before dropping to 3.5 in 2021. Hawaii completed the bottom five, as injuries decreased by 35%.
Commenting on the findings, John Foy from
John Foy & Associates said: “The BLS data is positive news for some states but not for others. For the states that have witnessed a significant increase in fatal workplace injuries, it’s important to address why this has occurred and consider strengthening workplace safety guidelines to mitigate risk.
“Following official safety protocol is essential. This means that any necessary safety equipment must be supplied and be in good working condition, and providing a safe work environment with as minimal potential hazards as possible must be maintained at all times.
“Employers must ensure safety policies are up to date, risk assessments are performed, and full training is provided to employees. Taking these measures can not only prevent avoidable injuries from occurring, but also lessen the frequency, severity and impact of those that do.”
