When it comes to construction jobs in Maryland and elsewhere, trenching is considered to be one of the most dangerous tasks due to the risk of collapse. If a trench does collapse, for example, the weight of the dirt making up the walls could crush workers. In 2016 alone, there were more than 20 fatalities resulting from collapsed trenches.
Trench accident fatalities
Improving economy increases traffic death rate
Maryland drivers have an increased chance of dying in a car crash now that the economy has improved, according to a new study. Furthermore, traffic fatalities are predicted to dip only slightly between now and 2024.
Higher speed limits killed 33,000 in 20 years
Speed limit increases in Maryland and across the U.S. are costing lives, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In fact, the organization estimates that around 33,000 people died between 1993 and 2013 as a result of higher speed limits.
NSC praises Maryland lawmakers in State of Safety report
Maryland was one of seven states to be awarded a passing grade of B by the National Safety Council in the nonprofit group's audit of the nation's safety laws. The NSC graded states based on how well they protect their residents from accidents in the home, at work and on the roads. While no state was considered worthy of an A, eleven received a scathing F. The State of Safety report was released by the NSC as the organization wrapped up its annual National Safety Month initiative at the end of June. Accidental deaths in the United States have increased by 7 percent since 2014, and traffic, household and workplace accidents now claim the lives of more than 140,000 Americans each year.
Winners emerge from IIHS car accident safety tests
Results from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety crash tests show Maryland drivers have a number of new choices in the large and luxury classes. An article in USA Today helps explain why this is important in terms of the criteria for an automobile being designated a Top Safety Pick Plus. It also details why Tesla and others were not selected for the category.
Self-driving cars raise safety concerns
Many safety advocates in Maryland and around the country are concerned about the potential roadway repercussions of the development of self-driving cars. While a number of major corporations are pursuing projects related to autonomous vehicles, consumer advocates are urging enhanced safety testing and certifications for the vehicles.
Young workers and the risk of injury
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there were 19.1 million workers younger than 24 years old in 2015. That represented 13 percent of the American workforce. However, younger workers in Maryland and elsewhere may be faced with hazards such as working on substandard equipment or receiving inadequate training. In 2015, 403 workers under the age of 24 died while on the job.
