Sept. 26, 2012
According to a new study from the Indiana Department of Labor, the state saw a dramatic increase in workplace accidents during the past year. The Northwest Indiana Times claimed a total of 122 people in Indiana died due to work-related accidents in 2011—four more fatalities than were reported during the previous year.
One of the leading causes for the increase was a spike in the number of Indiana truck accidents. Last year, transportation industry fatalities, which include big trucks and commercial vans, totaled 20 deaths, a rise of 54 percent from the 9 fatalities in 2010.
Another leading cause of workplace death in Indiana was acts of violence, accounting for 17 deaths, while the mining and agriculture industry each had 16 deaths. The manufacturing industry closely followed accounting for 13 lost lives.
Indiana Department of Labor spokeswoman, Lori Torres, added the agency planned to combat the growing problem by conducting several safety campaigns during the year to promote workplace safety. This will include the annual “Safety Rodeo” aimed at educating commercial drivers on the dangers of the highway.
The Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers believe workers have a right to a safe work environment. An employer’s failure to supply this could be considered negligent in the event of an accident, and our law firm is here to help anyone who has been hurt through no fault of their own.