2020 workplace fatality statistics in Minnesota

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial organizations (AFL-CIO) named Minnesota as the 28th most dangerous place to work in the country. To illustrate the problem more clearly, here are some statistics on workplace fatalities in the state.

2020 fatal injury statistics

In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 4,764 fatal work injuries in the country. That means that for every 111 minutes, a worker died at their job. In Minnesota, almost 100 people suffer from work-related injuries daily.

Industries with the highest injury cases

1. Construction industry – Given how physical construction work is and the use of heavy and dangerous machines and equipment, workers have a greater chance of getting fatal injuries.
2. Transportation and warehousing – Workers who deal with cargo, storage of goods and truck deliveries can easily get fatal injuries when an accident occurs.
3. Mining, quarrying, and oil extraction – Though there was a significant reduction in the number of natural resources workers’ fatalities in 2020, they were still the second most likely to get injured or die.
4. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting – People like ranchers, farmers and hunters had the highest fatality rate compared to other occupations in the time period studied.

What to do in the event of an injury

If you or your loved one gets injured at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation from the employer’s insurance company. The law requires all employers in Minnesota to have workers’ compensation insurance in order to compensate employees who get injured.

If your loved one dies, you could receive payments that cover funeral and burial costs, more than 67% of their average weekly wage and other benefits. Eligible family members include their children under the age of 18 (or 25 if in college), spouse or an adult child who is disabled. Siblings, grandparents, parents or parents-in-law can also be eligible depending on their relationship with the deceased.

Should you get injured at work, alert your employer and seek medical help immediately. It doesn’t matter if it was your fault or not; you have the right to receive compensation for any injury.