BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — While work is a necessary part of our everyday lives, the practice is not without its risks. Many employees, especially those in industries that involve machinery or dangerous conditions, must also grapple with the possibility of fatal accidents : a concern which many companies are stifling through a combination of less dangerous careers and improved safety measures. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many parts of the country — and here in the Peace Garden State, workers are far more likely to become casualty statistics than anywhere else.

In order to determine where workers are most at risk in the United States, Sacramento-based Triumph Law, P.C. analyzed OSH A data pertaining to the number of work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses in every state from 2020 to 2022. This number was then compared to the total workplace hours throughout the state, in order to create a ratio of deaths occurring per 100,000 work hours. When these ratios were identified and weighed against one another, it was determined that North Dakota’s workplaces are the deadliest in the nation.

For every 100,000 hours worked in ND, an average of 2.772 deaths occur on company time: a statistic which, while not seeming like much at first, is an extremely high number when compared to other parts of the country. While the exact reason for this was not given, it can be inferred that this is a direct result of North Dakota’s heavy focus on manufacturing and the handling of harmful substances — both of which are fields typically associated with accidental injuries or deaths.

In contrast to these high fatality rates, states like Louisiana, Utah, and Arkansas report far fewer chances of dying on the job. While one could make the argument that some of these miniscule rates come from a lack of total hours worked or smaller workforces than most areas, the fact that much larger, busier, and more densely-populated sections of the United States (including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas) also boasted lower ratios suggests that the ratios are produced careers rather than size.

“It is fascinating to see such a wide range of states in the top ten,” says Triumph Law’s Robert Cairchoff in a press release. “Hopefully, this research will encourage employers in these states to ensure all of the correct safety measures are in place. This will not only benefit the employees, but will also prevent loss of revenue to the company through lost working days if employees were to be injured. Equally, employees must ensure they are following procedures and using provided safety equipment. While some states are more dangerous for workers than others, there are risks for workers in any location — therefore, it is crucial for employers and employees in all states to consider the safety of their working environment.”

In order to learn more about workplace fatality rates in the United States, visit this page on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website.

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