The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2016, a 7 percent increase from the 4,836 fatal injuries reported in 2015, Some highlights from the December report:

• This is the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities and the first time more than 5,000 fatalities have been recorded by the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) since 2008.
• The fatal injury rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers from 3.4 in 2015, the highest rate since 2010.
• Work injuries involving transportation incidents remained the most common fatal event in 2016, accounting for 40 percent (2,083).
• Fatal work injuries from falls, slips, or trips continued a general upward trend that began in 2011, increasing 6 percent to 849 in 2016 and 25 percent overall since 2011.
• Falls increased more than 25 percent in 2016 for roofers, carpenters, tree trimmers and pruners, and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.

The importance of hiring a safe and experienced roofing contractor cannot be overstated. Tri-State/Service Group’s Safety Program, Working. Safe. is the embodiment of 95 years of safety experience into one comprehensive program. Our goal: zero incidents and zero injuries on the job. Contact the Tri-State/Service Group office nearest you to learn more about Working. Safe.