slides: The Deadliest Jobs in MA

From firefighters to temp positions, a new report " Dying for Work in Massachusetts : The Loss of Life and Limb in Massachusetts Workplaces," shows which jobs are costing the most lives in the Commonwealth.

In 2012, the groups’ report shows that “work continues to kill and maim workers in epidemic and alarming numbers,” and the saddest part, they say, is that the work-related injuries are preventable.

Each year, the report shows annual figures behind the state’s deadliest jobs and is sponsored by the MassCOSH (Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health), Western MassCOSH, and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

Which Ones Made the List

The 2013 report reveals that a total 32 Massachusetts workers lost their lives on the job in 2012, most suffering these fatal injuries at work.

The deadliest line of work in the state this year was firefighting. Firefighters suffered 22 percent of the statewide total line of duty fatalities. Seven firefighters died, accounting for the largest percentage of work-related deaths in the Commonwealth.

“Dying for Work in Massachusetts” shows that the construction industry remains one of the most dangerous for workers with six on-the-job fatalities occurring in 2012 (19 percent of the state total).

From 2000 to 2012, commercial fishing has been the most dangerous single occupation in

Massachusetts. 58 fishermen and lobstermen died on the job during the thirteen year period. Four fishermen/boat captains died on the job, accounting for 13 percent of total workplace deaths.

According to the stats pulled for the report, all seven firefighters who died from work-related complications died of cancer (especially related to asbestos and mesothelioma) and heart disease. Over 90 Massachusetts residents are diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year. The report notes that occupational disease is a major factor in work-related deaths.

For every worker killed on the job, ten more die from occupational disease. An estimated 320 workers died in 2012 in Massachusetts from occupational disease. A conservative estimate of 1,800 workers in Massachusetts were newly diagnosed with cancers caused by workplace exposures, and 50,000 more were seriously injured.

Transportation related accidents accounted for five occupational fatalities. Four of the five incidents involved a plane, truck or auto crash. The other incident involved a worker being struck by a truck.

Falls of all types caused more than one-sixth of all occupational fatalities in Massachusetts in 2012. Five of the six falls occurred in the construction industry; the other fatality was in the tree care and removal occupation.

According to the report, tree maintenance can be one of the most dangerous industries, with four tree workers dying from their injuries in 2012. Each year, falls are among the most common causes of death, especially in the construction industry.

Drowning claimed the lives of four Massachusetts fishermen and lobstermen in 2012, and workplace violence was responsible for the death of a police officer.

A Call to OSHA

As for a solution, the report states that OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has some serious shortfalls.

“OSHA lacks funding, staff and tools to deter violations. Fatal and serious workplace injuries in 2012 continued to occur because Massachusetts employers ignored OSHA regulations and failed to institute basic safety measures,” the report reads. “Strong government regulations and enforcement – including criminal prosecution– is essential, but often lacking.”

According to the report, 350,000 public sector workers in Massachusetts who work for the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions lack the protections afforded to their private sector counterparts under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The report says that OSHA’s understaffing and underfunding are “too little, too late.”

They estimate that it would currently take 140 years for OSHA to inspect each workplace under its jurisdiction in Massachusetts.

Overall, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, MassCOSH and Western MassCOSH seek many reforms at the federal, state, and worksite levels. At the federal level, they say that strengthening OSHA regulations and enforcement and strengthening whistleblower protections are the best recommendation.

At the state level, they call for an improvement to the Massachusetts Workers Compensation to make it “just, fair and accessible to all injured workers.”

Among other legislation, the report also details changes that need to occur at the worksite level, including a better watch on staffing levels, workloads and working hours that do not promote workplace injury, illness and death.

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