| The actual number of work-related deaths in the United States shows significant differences between several sources, such as reported by BLS, NSC, NIOSH, WC, OSHA, Coroner's office and identified on death certificates. A study of traumatic fatal work-related injuries were conducted in Allegheny County from 1985 to 1989 through reviewing and analyzing the cases under OSHA jurisdiction, Coroner's investigation, and death certificates.;There were 50 cases investigated by OSHA during the 5-year study period. The distribution, characteristics of fatally injured workers and the characteristics of their deaths, such as demographics, occupational safety and toxicological examinations were determined. The results indicated that work-related deaths in the construction industry were the highest among all major industries. "Struck by an object" was the most frequent accident occurring in the workplace and "misjudgement of hazardous situation" was the major reason for the occurrence of the accidents. OSHA conducted mostly partial inspections and the largest percentage of citations was issued to small establishment for serious violations. Overall, the findings of the study support the proposition that large groups of high risk workers have been excluded from OSHA's investigations and the discrepancies in reporting work-related fatalities derived from several sources.;Further, a model of workplace fatality investigations and reporting for consideration in Indonesia has been proposed to improve the investigation and reporting of work-related deaths. |
