On the job accidents are an unfortunate reality for workers throughout the nation, including the state of North Carolina. On many occasions the accidents result in either no, or minor injuries to those involved. In those cases it is possible that the injured worker will be out of work for a while recovering. In the worst cases however, death is the end result.
Statistics regarding the number of workers who died in North Carolina in 2012 are in and the results are positive. Compared to the previous year there was a 34 percent drop, down to 35 deaths. This result keeps North Carolina in the top 10 states when it comes to safety at work. Wake County was one of the counties that reported the highest number of work related deaths in 2012, however. It, along with two other counties, registered a total of three deaths apiece.
The causes of the deaths varied, but included:
- Being hit by falling objects
- Electrocution
- Being crushed between objects
- Falls
Death is of course the very worst ending to a workplace accident. When workers are only hurt rather than killed, it is possible that they will decide to seek compensation via a workers’ compensation claim. The benefits are particularly helpful when the hurt party is unable to work while healing from such an injury. Once approved, the length of time for which the benefits are available depends on the specifics of the injury including the length of time it will take for the worker to recover.
Source: WRAL, “Work-related fatalities declining in NC,” Jan. 14, 2013
