One of the biggest takeaways from the federal government’s most current statistics about workplace fatalities in Alaska.
According to these statistics, 32 workers in this state lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2018. Looking over the last 10 or so years, this was an average year.
Those in fishing, logging and agriculture were particularly prone to deadly injuries. Of the 32 deaths, those who work in this industry accounted for 11.
More specifically, those in the fishing industry accounted for 9 of these 11 deaths, meaning that fishers alone accounted for over 25% of all work related deaths in 2018.
Additionally, 8 people who worked in transportation died in work-related incidents, with 3 workers in the construction field suffering fatal injuries.
Accidents related to transportation accounted for the majority of these injuries, with 18 people dying in work-related transportation accidents. In addition to car accidents, transportation accidents also include plane crashes and many types of accidents on boats.
On the whole, 56% of those who died in 2018 passed away because of transportation accidents, with 22% dying because of either intentional assaults or other accidents caused by other people or by animals.
The remainder of those died either because of toxic exposure or other accidents.
Workers’ compensation death benefits are available to family members of Alaska workers who pass away on the job. In addition to a couple of one-time payments, benefits are paid to the family to cover part of the worker’s lost wages.
Moreover, for those who work in the fishing industry or who suffer injuries in work-related transportation accidents, benefits are also available.
