January 3, 2025
BLS releases fatality data, OSHA responds to trends and more
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS has released its annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2023. The report shows 5,283 fatal work injuries, a 3.7% decrease from 2022. The fatal work injury rate dropped to 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent employees. Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event at 36.8% of all fatalities. Notable decreases occurred in fatalities among Black or African American employees and in the transportation and warehousing sector. Construction had the highest number of fatalities among all industry sectors.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA leader responds to 2023 fatality data
The Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, has responded to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2023 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The report shows a decrease in both the number and rate of fatal work injuries. Parker credits stronger enforcement and collaboration with employers. Notable improvements include a 10.2% decline in fatal injuries to Black employees and a drop in the rate for Latino employees. Despite these positive trends, more than 5,200 employees lost their lives in 2023, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve workplace safety.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC launches online Benefits Estimator tool
DWC has introduced a new Benefits Estimator tool for workers' compensation calculations. This online resource helps injured employees and their families estimate income and death benefits based on wage information. The tool includes an average weekly wage estimator and covers temporary, impairment, supplemental and lifetime income benefits.
DWC announces review of proposed rules (PDF 132KB)
DWC is conducting a routine review of rules related to income benefits, death benefits, medical provisions and disability management. The review covers eight chapters in the Texas Administrative Code, including temporary income benefits, impairment and supplemental income benefits and guidelines for medical services. DWC is seeking public comments on whether these rules should be repealed, readopted or amended. The deadline for submitting comments is January 27.
The National Safety Council (NSC)
NSC report shows progress in ergonomic safety
The NSC has released its 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report, showing improvements in addressing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in workplaces. Key findings include increased use of ergonomics programs, more focus on proactive prevention measures and greater employee involvement in safety decisions. The report also highlights areas for improvement, such as quantifying non-physical risk factors and expanding technology use. NSC recommends strategies like engaging leadership, prioritizing employee feedback and setting targeted risk reduction goals.