Washington Work Injury Statistics [2024]

Colburn Law

Posted in Worksite Injury on September 26, 2024

No person expects that, when they clock in for the workday, they will suffer a serious injury. Unfortunately, the workplaces of Washington are not immune to the risks and hazards that lead to on-the-job accidents.

Recent data paints a complex picture of workplace safety in Washington. While some trends indicate improvements in on-the-job accident rates, other areas continue to grapple with high rates that outpace national averages.

Contact a Seattle injury lawyer today for a free consultation.

An Overview of Work Injury Trends in Washington

The rates of workplace accidents can vary from industry to industry, but overall, thousands of these incidents happen across Washington every year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers in the private sector reported 89,600 injuries and illnesses in 2022. This amounts to an incident rate of 3.9 cases per 100 full-time workers, higher than the national average of 2.7.

Of these cases, 59,500 resulted in days away from work, a job transfer, or a restriction in work duties to help accommodate a severe injury. These are referred to as DART cases and amount to a rate of 2.6 per 100 full-time workers. 67% of these DART cases involved at least one day away from work.

There were more workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2022 than in 2021. During the previous year, employers reported 77,600 cases, with an incidence rate of 3.5 per 100 full-time workers. 51,000 of these injuries were DART cases, which amounts to an incidence rate of 2.3.

Industries with Highest Injury Rates

The BLS also compiles workplace injury and illness data at the industry level. During 2023,  incidence rates in these sectors range from 0.2 injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time workers in the information sector, to 6.8 in the natural resources and mining. However, two industries account for a staggering 49% of all incidents, despite only accounting for 37% of private industry employment.

If involved in a work accident, contact a Seattle workers compensation lawyer today to get the justice you deserve.

These two industries are trade, transportation, and utilities, and education and health services. These sectors face unique challenges that contribute to their high injury rates. Trade, transportation, and utilities involve frequent heavy lifting, vehicle operation, and exposure to various environmental hazards, while education and health services often require close contact with people, increasing the risk of communicable diseases, physical strain, and violence. The incidence rate for trade, transportation, and utilities is 5.3 cases per 100 full-time workers; for education and health services, the rate is 5.7.

The public sector also accounts for a substantial portion of workplace injuries. State and local governments reported 25,000 injuries and illnesses among their workers, with an incidence rate of 7.7 cases per 100 full-time employees. This is much higher than the national average of 4.9. Additionally, 64% of these injuries involved local government workers.

Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Workplace accidents often result from a complex interplay of factors, including inadequate safety protocols, insufficient training, equipment malfunctions, or simply human error. Even in seemingly safe environments, unexpected hazards can arise. Some of the most common causes of these injuries include:

• Transportation Incidents: These occur when employees are involved in accidents while driving for work purposes. Collisions, rollovers, and pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Falls, Slips, and Trips: Workers can suffer falls due to cluttered or uneven floors, unstable work surfaces, or lack of proper safety equipment. They can cause fractures, sprains, and head injuries. If you have slipped or fallen for any of these reasons contact a Seattle slip and fall lawyer today.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers may inhale toxic fumes, absorb chemicals through skin contact, or ingest hazardous materials. This can lead to acute poisoning or long-term health issues like respiratory disease or cancer.
• Overexertion Injuries: These happen when workers push their bodies beyond physical limits. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or working in awkward positions can cause strains, sprains, and back injuries.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Prolonged repetitive movements can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis can affect office workers and manual laborers alike.

Workplace Fatality Statistics in Washington

Although the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses has increased, the number of workplace fatalities in Washington has decreased. As of September 2024, 16 workplace fatalities have been reported to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

L&I data also reports that:

• 26 workplace fatalities occurred in 2023
• 32 workplace fatalities occurred in 2022
• 51 workplace fatalities occurred in 2021
• 50 workplace fatalities occurred in 2020

The spike in 2020 and 2021 is attributed to COVID-19-related deaths.

According to the BLS, transportation incidents were the most frequent fatal event in 2022, accounting for 32 deaths and 31% of fatal work injuries in Washington. Violence and other injuries caused by people or animals were the second-most frequent cause, accounting for 23 fatalities. Falls, slips, or trips led to 19 worker deaths and exposure to harmful substances resulted in 16 fatalities.

Your Options After Being Injured at Work

When faced with a workplace injury, you can experience serious physical, emotional, and financial hardship. However, you do have options to secure support and compensation following the accident. In Washington, two primary avenues are available for injured workers: workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits.

Workers’ compensation is the primary system designed to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. This no-fault insurance program provides medical benefits and wage replacement to workers, as well as long-term payments for permanent disability. In exchange for these benefits, employees generally cannot sue their employers for workplace injuries.

However, there are situations where a third-party lawsuit may be appropriate. If your injury was caused by someone other than your employer—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—you may have grounds for a claim against that third party. These lawsuits can potentially provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering.

Navigating these options can be complex, and the choice between them depends on the circumstances of your case. A workplace injury attorney can help you understand which path is most appropriate for your situation and how to maximize your chances of fair compensation.

Legal Support for Work Injury Victims in Washington

Workplace injuries are a serious concern in Washington, and if you have become part of these statistics, you need an advocate who can fight for your rights and best interests. A workplace injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, connect you with specialized medical care, and gather evidence to prove your right to workers’ comp benefits. After seeking treatment for your work injury, contact an attorney right away to strategize your next steps.