South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

Published on: November 21, 2011

Daylight Saving Time Brings Increased Risks of Car Accidents in Royal Palm Beach

Dr. Val Jones with Healthy Vision recently interviewed optometrist Dr. Cristina Schnider and John Ulczycki of the National Safety Council to discuss the dangers of nighttime driving. With the recent time change, drivers are spending more time on our roadways during dark hours. Statistics illustrate that about a quarter of all travel is done during the evening, yet about half of all fatal car accidents in Royal Palm Beach and elsewhere occur during this time. According to Road and Travel Magazine, about one out of every three drivers admits that they have trouble seeing while driving at night.

Our Royal Palm Beach car accident lawyers understand that many drivers fail to adjust their driving habits during the evening hours. Driving is more dangerous at night because drivers are less likely to see hazards or dangers on our roadways. Because drivers can’t see the dangers, many just assume they aren’t there instead of reducing speed and driving more cautiously.

Even drivers who have perfect vision during the day have a reduction in vision at night. At night, the eyes search around to find an object to focus one. Since there’s less to focus on, the eye wanders looking for something to focus on. This wander makes your overall vision more blurry. What the eye typically focuses in on is the windshield. This is dangerous because there’s much more going on that you should be focused on. It’s important to look past the windshield. You can do this by looking above the headlights of oncoming vehicles.

Another obstacle that nighttime drivers must overcome is the lack of color visibility in your peripheral vision. You typically only see movement, and not color, in your peripheral vision during this time. That’s why it’s so important for you to keep scanning your roadways while driving at night.
Drivers are reminded to blink while driving during the dark hours. People tend to keep their eyes open for a longer time when trying to focus on something. Keeping your eyes open can dry them out and hinder your vision even more.

John Ulczycki from the National Safety Council asks drivers to change their driving habits to accommodate the nighttime dangers on our roadways. He brings up the fact that teen drivers are at a greater risk for a nighttime accident than older, more experienced drivers. While both teens and older drivers face some of the same vision problems, older drivers typically have more experience dealing with these driving conditions. Ulczycki says that teen drivers’ crash rate is three times higher after 9 p.m. than during their daytime accident rate. He suggests that parents ride with their teen drivers for a generous amount of time before cutting them loose on our roadways.

Ulczycki reiterates the importance of curbing all distractions while driving at night. Florida has no law that governs the use of cell phones or text messaging devices for drivers. We’re asking everyone to be safe and be responsible on our roadway to help avoid a potentially fatal nighttime accident.
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Published on: November 17, 2011

Antilock Brakes: Reducing Risks of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Hollywood and Elsewhere

By Dean Freeman

Motorcycle accidents in Hollywood are less likely if a motorcycle has antilock brakes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The institute recently released a new brochure for consumers to inform riders about this safety feature. The newly released pamphlet, “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it” informs riders all about the safe braking system, including how they work, what specific benefits they provide to riders and why they’re safer than traditional brake systems.

The IIHS has created this pamphlet for vendors and safety advocates to hand out at motorcycle shows, rider training events and other motorcycle-related venues. The IIHS is encouraging motorcycle riders to consider this new safety technology. The brakes already come standard on some bikes, while others offer it as an upgrade option.

Our Hollywood motorcycle accident attorneys understand that motorcyclists face serious dangers and risks on our roadways. Traffic accidents involving our two-wheeled friends oftentimes turn deadly because riders have much less protection than occupants of passenger-vehicles. We need to travel cautiously around these vulnerable drivers to help to keep everyone safe on our roadways. Motorcyclists are urged to check out the new pamphlet to see if antilock brakes are right for you.

“Research shows that motorcycle antilocks dramatically cut the risk of a deadly crash,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Braking on a motorcycle is no easy task. Braking in a passenger vehicle is much easier and much safer. Most motorcycles have two different brake controls, a brake for the front tire and a brake for the back. Either of these wheels can stop spinning and lock up when a biker brakes hard. When braking hard on a passenger car, it may skid when tires lockup. When tires lock up on a motorcycle, a driver can lose his or her balance and fall, which can turn fatal in an instant.

With antilock brakes, motorcyclists can brake without the fear of their tires locking up. This brake system reduces braking pressure when the tires are about to stop and increases it when traction is again restored between the tire and the pavement. This system only steps in when it senses that the wheel is about to stop spinning and lock up.

Motorcycles with this type of technology are nearly 40 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than a rider with the same model bike without the brake system. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, there has been a reduction of more than 20 percent in the number of insurance claims from bikers with the antilock brake system.

More than 400 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2009. More lives can be saved with the use of antilock brake technology.

You can request a copy a of “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it” by sending an email now.
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Published on: November 15, 2011

Companies Urged to Prepare for Black Friday Rush to Reduce Risks of Injury in Margate

By Dean Freeman

Injuries in Margate are likely to happen if a company doesn’t properly prepare their stores for this year’s Black Friday sales events. Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year and thousands of residents and visitors will be flocking to local retail center to snag some extra savings.

The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is offering companies safety tips to help keep employees and customers safe during this year’s shopping rush. Companies are required to keep grounds safe for all visitors. In 2008, someone died during a Black Friday sales event. Each year, an untold number of consumers are injured by falling merchandise, on slippery floors and in darkened parking lots.

Our Margate injury attorneys understand that shoppers are on the hunt for excellent bargains and Black Friday is the perfect day to get some super deals. We would like to remind shoppers to keep the spirit of the holiday season in mind and to be courteous to other shoppers. Business owners are required to keep grounds safe, meaning they’re required to take the proper safety precautions to eliminate hazards and risks for accidents.

The name Black Friday started in Philadelphia. It was originally used to describe the heavy and disruptive vehicle and pedestrian traffic which would take place the day after Thanksgiving.

Company owners and supervisors are urged to consider the following recommendations to help handle the sale-seeking crowds and to keep everyone safe this Black Friday:

-Have trained security guards, police officers or crowd management personnel on hand.

-Be sure that all employees are designated to a specific spot in your store. Make sure that you have enough workers on hand to assist customers.

-Make sure that employees are trained to handle large crowds.

-Make sure that all local police departments and emergency responders are aware of your event.

-Ensure that your company has the proper licenses and permits.

-Designate an employee to contact emergency officials in the event of an accident.

-Make sure your store is signed clearly, pointing out the locations of hot sale items, opening and closing times, restrooms, check-out counters, etc.

-Address dangers and procedures regarding overcrowding, violent acts, fires and crowd crushing.

-Set up rope lines and barricades to help direct customers.

-Keep an eye on your building’s maximum capacity limits. Do not exceed.

-Keep employees at the entrances and exits of your stores.

-Keep walkways clear of congestion.

-Make sure employees are on hand to explain entrance procedures to customers before entering.

-Make sure that employees have an effective way to communicate should something happen.

-Trying using an internet lottery, tickets or wristbands to help distribute hot items.

-Keep shopping carts and other potential obstacles out of walkways.

-Remind everyone of the entrance process shortly before opening your doors. Make sure your employees are aware of this information as well.

-Keep employees on the sides of walkways instead of in the center of a path.

-Try using more than one entrance, if possible, to eliminate the rush.

-Make sure that shoppers with disabilities have a safe way to enter and exit your store.

-Never block your exit doors.

-Always have first-aid kits and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on hand.

Black Friday doesn’t have to be a dangerous day. With the proper precautions, shoppers can get some deals and store owners can get through the day without any headaches. Everyone is urged to be courteous to one another and celebrate the kickoff of the holiday shopping season safely.
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Published on: November 10, 2011

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Raises Awareness of Preventable Car Accidents in Pompano Beach and Elsewhere

By Dean Freeman

As we’ve previously reported on South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, the state of Florida is committed to preventing drowsy driving-related car accidents in Pompano Beach and elsewhere. We told you about this condition and how it greatly increases your risk of an accident. Unfortunately, this is a condition that many drivers may not even be able to recognize. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Department of Transportation have previously teamed up to create Florida’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

Now, the campaign is going nationwide. The National Sleep Foundation and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have recently partnered to support Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is ongoing all this week. These organizations are raising awareness among drivers across the country about the dangers of driving while drowsy or otherwise weary. This driving condition is more common on our roadways than you may think.

Our Pompano car accident attorneys urge you to learn more about how drowsy driving has become a problem that must be addressed. A recent study from AAA revealed that although more than 95 percent of drivers find drowsy driving as completely unacceptable, more than a third admits to doing it at least once in the last 30 days. These types of accidents kill roughly 1,550 people and injure another 71,000 every year. Drowsy drivers cause more than 100,000 traffic accidents annually.

“Many don’t realize that driving while drowsy is very dangerous. If you’re so tired that you can hardly keep your eyes open, you could fall asleep for just a few seconds and not realize it,” says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation.

AAA reports that about one out of every six traffic accidents is caused by a drowsy driver. About one out of every 10 drivers age 16 to 45 reportedly drive while drowsy at least once a week. Regardless of age, though, every driver can be subjected to this type of driving and should learn ways prevent it. With drowsy drivers on our roadways, innocent people are getting hurt.

Drowsy driving:

-Impairs vision.

-Slows reaction time.

-Causes lapses in judgment.

-Causes a delay in processing information.

Recent studies have concluded that being awake for 20 hours straight gives a driver the same reaction time as one who is legally drunk.

We are happy to help to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of this habit and ultimately get drivers to stop and rest if they feel sleepy at the wheel. Powering through fatigue may be one of the worst things a driver can do behind the wheel. Be sure to get plenty of sleep before venturing out, stop driving if you feel sleepy, and take frequent breaks to help stay as alert as possible. These accidents are completely preventable with a little education and awareness.
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Published on: November 8, 2011

Gas Tanker Slams into Guard Rail During Trucking Accident in Fort Lauderdale

By Dean Freeman

A recent trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale put a gas tanker through a guard rail that runs along U.S. 1, according to 7NEWS. The accident happened when the semi suddenly lost control on the highway near Interstate 595. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office reports that the tanker was not hauling gas at the time of the accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys are thankful that no other vehicles were involved in this accident. It could have turned out much worse. Unfortunately, this clean of an accident isn’t always how it works out. Traffic accidents that involve a big rig, a semi, a tractor-trailer or an 18-wheeler can oftentimes produce deadly results. As we round out the year and head into the holiday season, we can expect to see a drastic increase in the amount of traffic on our roadways. This increase in traffic means that we’ll be seeing a boost in accident risks as well. With every holiday season, tourists and snowbirds flock to the area to get away from the wicked winter and to soak up the Florida sunshine. Unfortunately, many of these individuals have no idea where they’re going on our roadways. Mix their confusion with the dangers of semi-trucks and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 3,500 traffic fatalities resulting from accidents with these larger vehicles. Another 75,000 people were injured in these incidents. It’s estimated that there are roughly 300,000 large trucks that were involved in traffic accidents on U.S. roadways in 2009.

The occupants of the other vehicle (the passenger vehicle) are most likely to be killed in an accident with a big rig:

-About 76 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in fatalities among the other vehicle’s occupants.

-About 2 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in fatalities among non-occupants.

-About 22 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in fatalities among the truck’s occupants.

The occupants of the other vehicle (the passenger vehicle) are most likely to be injured in an accident with a big rig:

-About 71 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in injury among the other vehicle’s occupants.

-About 3 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in injury among non-occupants.

-About 26 percent of traffic accidents with a large truck resulted in fatalities among the truck’s occupants.

There were nearly 3,500 fatal traffic accidents in the state of Florida in 2009. There were nearly 200 large trucks involved in these fatal accidents. Safe driving habits are your best defense against an accident with a semi. Drivers should remain aware of their surroundings, and should travel carefully and cautiously along roadways where these trucks travel as well.
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Published on: November 5, 2011

Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie and Elsewhere Cost About $300 Billion Annually

By Dean Freeman

According to recent statistics, someone dies in a car accident in Port St. Lucie and elsewhere every hour of every day. If you’re one of the lucky ones who survives an accident, the cost can be just as stunning as this statistic. According to CBS News, car accidents across the U.S. cost about $300 billion every year.

“Traffic crashes really need to be moved to the forefront of the American discussion as the public safety (and) health threat that they are,” says AAA spokesman Troy Green.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys understand that you can end up shelling out thousands of dollars for one of these accidents if you’re not careful. According to AAA, each traffic accident-related death costs on average about $6 million. This includes emergency services, lost earnings and medical costs. It is estimated that about 33,000 people die on our roadways every year. The cost for a traffic accident-related injury averages more than $125,000.

To equal those same costs, a small aircraft would have to fall from the sky every day for about 360 days. As unacceptable as that would be, these car accidents seem all too normal. Our society has become numb to these stunning accident statistics. It’s as almost as if accidents have become a part of everyday life.

To help reduce the number of vehicle accidents, manufacturers are coming up with some pretty neat safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This technology can improve a vehicle’s stability as it knows when to apply the brake during a skid incident. Some research concludes that if more vehicles had this technology, then nearly 10,000 lives could be saved on our roadways.

Another cool safety feature, which is still being developed, is short-range sensors, which are designed to warn a driver when an accident is about to happen. In these cases, the vehicle would activate seat restraints and airbags.

Since drivers apparently are not going to change their driving habits to make roadways safer, manufacturers are hoping to do the work for them by making cars electronically smarter and safer.

Officials aren’t giving up though. More and more states are creating laws to help stop dangerous driving behaviors, such as drunk driving, speeding and distracted driving. Now, 35 states prohibit drivers from texting at the wheel.

As of right now, AAA is looking into creating a federal bill to keep drivers focused on the road. But until this auto group is able to get Congress’s attention, the bill sits in the waiting line.

“We’re hoping that by putting a dollar amount to it, people will pay a little more attention to the fact that even if they’re not in a crash, they are still paying for them,” said AAA spokeswoman Beth Mosher.
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Published on: November 4, 2011

Our Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys Invite You to Join Elevator and Escalator Safety Week

By Dean Freeman

Elevator and escalator accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere throughout Florida can be complicated for a victim who is seeking proper compensation after an accident. These accidents can be the fault of the device’s manufacturer, the property owner or the inspection agency. Unfortunately, faulty elevators put us at serious risks for injury on a daily basis as many of use ride them every single day. We step on to these elevators oftentimes without the thought of the potential dangers we’re facing. Both elevators and escalators are required to undergo rigorous inspections and to be serviced regularly. Unfortunately, many are not.

Our Fort Lauderdale escalator and elevator accident lawyers understand how much maintenance these devices require. Day after day they transport thousands and thousands of pounds. Unfortunately, many of them are not properly maintained. Steps on escalators can come loose, elevator cables can become strained, flood hazards after heavy rainfall create risks for slip-and-falls, doors can jam, and clothing, fingers and arms can get caught in these devices. Elevators can plummet down the shaft, or their doors can open in a section of the building where there is no landing, causing a serious fall hazard.

Elevators and escalators have to be inspected by a certified inspector at least once every six months. To help raise awareness about the importance of safe-riding on elevators and escalators, the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation is holding another National Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness Week. This year’s awareness campaign will be taking place from November 13th through the 19th.

The week-long campaign is used to raise awareness about the need for safe equipment and to recognize the contributions that have been made by these devices to our quality of life.

In the United States, there are about 600,000 elevators and 30,000 escalators. These two devices help to transport nearly 600 million riders every day. Every year, more than 100 billion people ride an elevator and about 90 billion people use an escalator. They’re used every day to provide us with convenience and quick travel.

Every year, approximately 30 people are killed and another 11,000 are injured on these transportation devices. Accidents can result in pinches, bone fractures, nerve and tendon lacerations ,and even death.

Injuries can happen when:

-Either of the machines get stuck.

-An elevator misses a floor.

-Escalators are not moving at an adequate speed.

-When elevators do not open at a level even with the floor.

-During jerky movements on either device.

-Elevator riders get stuck in the doors.

-Elevator doors open to an empty shaft.

-Elevators plummet down a shaft.

If you would like to join the National Elevator Escalator Safety Awareness campaign, you’re urged to fill out a volunteer form. The foundation will provide you with all of the material you will need to help get you started in making a difference and helping to save lives.
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Published on: November 1, 2011

Toy-Related Injuries and Defective Products a Holiday Concern for Parents in Coral Springs, Nationwide

By Dean Freeman

As we head into the holiday shopping season, parents must be concerned about the thousands of dangerous toys and child products on the market these days. Our Coral Springs child injury lawyers know that holiday shopping can be stressful because of the inherent dangers in some products. Just think about all the toys recalled for choking hazards, fall accidents, burn injuries, strangulation dangers and other threats. Determining which toys are defective or harmful can help reduce child toy-related injuries in Broward County and throughout South Florida.

Safe Kids USA reported that from 2000-2005, no fewer than 11 children under the age of 15 lost their life each year in a toy-related death. In 2005, 75,000 toy-related injuries occurred for children under 14 years old, in addition to the 20 toy-related deaths that occurred for that age group that year. Each year there are roughly 217,000 emergency room visits for children injured in a toy-related accident. On average 15 children ages 13 and under die annually from a toy-related accident. Most deaths caused by toys are related to choking, strangulation, or motorized accidents. Balloons and balls cause a severe choking hazard. Riding toys cause severe risk for falls or other injuries in motorized toy accidents. Strangulation incidents are often caused by cords and strings on toys.

Approximately 3 billion toys are sold annually in the United States, many of which are considered dangerous to our children for one reason or another. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps consumers updated on defective products, as well as past and present toy hazard recalls placed on manufacturers.

U.S. PIRG offers these six common toy hazards and tips for injury and death prevention caused by these hazards:

-Choking Hazards: 41 children died between 2005-2009 from choking on balloons, toys or toy parts. Children under 3 years old should never be left with small toys or toy parts that can fit in the mouth. A helpful test is if it fits through a toilet paper tube it isn’t fit for your child. Keep children away from small balls or balloons and always read warning labels for choking hazards.

-Magnetic Toys: Magnets are typically found in toy darts, magnetic building toys or jewelry, and can look like candy when they fall out or become separated. Strong magnets if swallowed can adhere in the stomach or intestine and cause life-threatening injuries. Resist buying toys with magnets and get medical care immediately if a magnet is swallowed.

-Button Batteries used for Watches: Keep button batteries away from small children to avoid potentially fatal injuries caused by choking or internal complications.

-Noise: Toys that make loud sounds can damage a child’s sensitive ears. Remove batteries of noise-making toys or cover speakers with tape to deafen the sound.

-Strangulation Hazards: Mobiles, drawstrings or cords left within reach of infants or small children cause a high risk for strangulation. Remove knobs or beads and keep out of reach, especially as an infant grows and can start to raise themselves to reach for dangling objects.

-Lead and Toxic Chemicals: Many toys are painted with lead or toxic materials. Lead poisoning can affect intellectual and physical development among other things. Read warning labels and resist buying toys with PVC plastic that may contain toxic phthalates. Avoid hazardous products that contain xylene, dibutyl phthalate, or toluene.

Florida PIRG wants to remind parents of the annual publication Trouble in Toyland Toy Safety Report that osreleased each November. This resource can help consumers make informed decisions about which toys are dangerous and what to look for you as begin your holiday shopping.
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Published on: October 29, 2011

Halloween Dangers a Parental Concern for Child Injuries in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Elsewhere

By Dean Freeman

Halloween is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year for small children, often leading to a trip to the emergency room. Not only are children at risk of a pedestrian accident in Pembroke Pines, but children can also sustain a burn injury from a flammable costume in Weston or a hand, eye or face injury from a defective costume accessory in Fort Pierce.

Our Margate child injury and accident lawyers want to remind parents, guardians and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of Halloween before they head out this Monday to trick-or-treat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at child pedestrian accidents on Halloween from 1975-1996. Researchers found that children between the ages of 5 and 14 were four times more likely to be hit by a motorist on Halloween from 4 to 10 p.m. than any other day of the year. From 1975-1996, there were a total of 89 child pedestrian deaths in this age group, averaging about four deaths each Halloween.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found in a nine-year study looking at holiday-related child visits to the emergency room that Halloween was among the top three for child injuries needing medical attention. From 1997 to 2006, 17.6 percent of injuries on Halloween were to a child’s finger or hand. Of the injuries to this area on the body, over 30 percent were lacerations and roughly 20 percent were fractures. Of the children visiting a medical center or emergency room, over 30 percent were between the ages of 10 and 14.

Florida Highway Patrol offers these trick-or-treat tips for a safer Halloween:

-Expect a lot of foot traffic, even on the days preceding Halloween.

-Slow your speed, especially on streets with parked cars or in neighborhoods where lit porch lights are an indicator that trick-or-treaters are around.

-Children may be walking on roadways with no sidewalks or crosswalks, so be alert at all times.

-Dress children in bright costumes. Make sure dark costumes and treat bags have reflective tape on them.

-Encourage children to wear face paint rather than a mask. If a mask has to be worn with the costume, ensure that vision and hearing are not impaired in any way.

-Don’t allow children to wear costumes or footwear that are too long or big for them. Tripping can cause a severe puncture wound or broken bone from a fall accident.

-Be alert for “stranger danger” on Halloween night. Make children aware not to talk to strangers or take short cuts that stray away from a group, parent or guardian.

Other important Halloween safety tips:

-Keep sharp costume accessories or pumpkin carving tools away from small children at all times.

-Only use costumes that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

-Instruct children to accept candy only in sealed wrappers. Inspect all candy before it is consumed.

-Keep small children away from candle flames or lit jack-o-lanterns.

Ensure your child has a safe Halloween by setting ground rules and reviewing important safety concerns. Making children aware of the dangers is the first step in reducing the risk of injury to them and others.
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Published on: October 26, 2011

West Palm Beach Work Illnesses and Injuries Often Occur in Health Care and Construction Industries

By Dean Freeman

In a recent statement, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis expressed concern about the number of workers being injured in the health care and social assistance industry. West Palm Beach injury lawyers know that healthcare professionals play a vital role in our state due to the number of older adults needing long-term care and other injured patients in need of medical attention overall.

Much concern is placed on the safety and protection of construction workers as well, as we frequently post about on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog. Not enough is being done to keep these workers sheltered from fall accidents and other work-related injuries to the eyes, hands, arms and various other parts of the body. Employers in any industry have an obligation to protect workers and keep work environments safe and hazard-free.

We know that as the economy bounces back and jobs become more readily available, many industries will see an increase in work-related injuries and deaths in Port St. Lucie, Deerfield Beach and statewide. If you suffer an injury at work, make it a priority to be advised of your rights so you can receive the compensation you deserve.

In recent information released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Florida, 2010 workplace fatalities reached an annual low since deaths first started being recorded in 1992. The preliminary low total of occupational deaths in Florida for 2010 was 215 compared to the high total of 422 recorded in 2004. The sector which includes trade, utilities and transportation reported the most work deaths at 52, with construction not far behind at 40 deaths recorded in 2010. Workers exposed to harmful environments and substances resulted in 12 fatalities on the job. The majority of work deaths were wage and salary workers in 2010 with the leading cause being transportation accidents. Assaults and violence was the leading cause of death for self-employed workers who comprised less than 15 percent of total workplace deaths in Florida.

According to the recent Workplace Illness and Injury report from BLS, private industry employers reported almost 3.1 million cases of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2010, which equates to roughly 3.5 cases per 100 full-time workers. The 2010 illness and injury statistics presented very little improvement from the 3.6 cases per 100 full-time workers reported in 2009. Over half of the injury and illness cases reported nationwide in 2010 were serious enough to require days off from work, restricted duty or a transfer to another job.

The private construction industry sector reported 4 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2010 nationwide compared to the health care and social assistance industry reporting 5.2 cases of illness and injury per 100 full-time workers.

Injury and illness at work estimates are available for 42 states but will not be released until sometime in November.
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