Study Links High Non-Fatal Accidents to Level Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A study from the RAND Corporation (a research and analysis firm) has found an interesting link between fatal and non-fatal construction accidents. According to the official website, states with higher incidents of non-fatal construction accidents have lower rates of fatal accidents.
Conversely, those states with high rates of fatal construction accidents have a lower incidence of non-fatal construction accidents.
The study points to a possible link between the quality of workers’ compensation benefits and an increased reporting of non-fatal accidents and possible prevention of fatal accidents.
From a RAND press release dated May 7:
Researchers found that the states with the low nonfatal injury rates and high fatality rates tended to be in the South, have lower worker compensation benefits, be less unionized and pay lower wages. In contrast, states with high nonfatal injury rates and lower fatality rates tended to be in the West, pay higher benefits and wages, be more strongly unionized and carry out more workplace inspections.
“We were surprised by the relationship between fatal and nonfatal injuries,” said John Mendeloff, lead author of the study and a senior policy researcher with RAND, a nonprofit research organization. “One key factor influencing injury trends seems to be the scope of benefits offered by a state’s workers’ compensation program, but that explains only part of what we found.”
The study found states with the highest number of nonfatal injuries and lowest numbers of fatal injuries were Arizona, California, Maine, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. States with the highest number of fatalities and lowest number of nonfatal accidents were Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee.
The study was published in the April issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
Different employers treat workplace injuries differently. You could find yourself on one job site that puts an emphasis on safety or another that seems to brush construction site accidents under the rug. However, when you are hurt in an accident, no matter how “minor” it seems to your employer, the results can be tragic.
If you were hurt on the job, whether you fell or were hit by a falling object, our NY / NJ construction accident attorneys may be able to help. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and what options are available to you.
No matter how seriously your employer takes your injuries, if you are hurt in a New York or New Jersey construction accident, you deserve justice. Call (888) GINARTE today, or use our online contact form.
