Frustratingly, 2016 Workplace Death Rates Increase The Most Since 2010.

The newly reported 2016 fatalities occurred under the Obama Administration and their approach of often-punitive Enforcement efforts, so these numbers have nothing to do with the Trump Administration's actions or lack thereof. However, it would also be unfair to blame the numbers solely on the Obama OSHA's efforts. We need to parse the numbers and determine why worker deaths increased, and even more so, why so many workplace deaths still occur. A shift in OSHA approach under Scott Mugno is needed in order to try some new approaches. But more is needed.

Let's not sterilely call these deaths "the Fatality Rate;" let's call it what it is ... people dying. 3.6 workers died for every 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, up from 3.4 in 2015.

Across all occupations, 5,190 workers lost their lives in 2016, a seven percent increase from 4,836 deaths in 2015, and the highest number since 2008, when 5,214 workers died. LINK TO REPORT.

Vehicles.

Look at the number of vehicle-related deaths - a whopping 40% of these deaths were transportation-related. We're talking about 2,083 worker deaths in 2016. The number increased by 29 deaths from 2015, so the bigger issue is not an increase in this area, but the stubbornly high number.

Vehicle deaths are something that OSHA has little control over unless the deaths occur at a construction site, warehouse area or other place than the public roads. Few OSHA standards contemplate driving, and Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations do not cover employees driving pick-up trucks, cars, etc.

Distracted Driving is a huge issue and despite efforts to discourage the use of personal devices while driving by OSHA, the National Safety Council and just about every organization and state legislature, I'm not sure that we are making progress.

The growth of many industries and the increased number of new less skilled workers operating or working around vehicles no doubt contributes to this high number.

Federal Express is solid on developing safe drivers and processes, and OSHA nominee Scott Mugno has focused a great deal of creative energy on driving, situational awareness and related issues - this subject might present an opportunity for him to do real good.

Similarly, struck-bys on construction sites, in warehouses and dock areas remain a problem and with few regulations, this is an area where employers should not be complacent.

Demographics

Among age and demographic groups, only Hispanic workers saw a decrease in...