The newest workplace safety study, America’s Workplace Danger Zones, from Pegasus Legal Capital, reveals where American workers face the greatest risk of injury or death, and how far the nation still has to go in protecting its workforce.
While non-fatal injuries dropped 8.4% in 2023, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 5,283 people still lost their lives at work. Transportation, construction, and healthcare remain the most hazardous industries, while states like Tennessee and Texas lead in fatality rates.
“Every number represents a person who was hurt trying to make a living,” said a spokesperson from Pegasus Legal Capital. “And for families, one unsafe moment can change everything.”
Healthcare Tops the Injury List
Healthcare and social assistance workers suffered 471,600 injuries in 2023, the highest of any industry. These injuries stem from lifting patients, long shifts, infectious exposure, and burnout.
Despite their vital role, healthcare employees often face safety protocols that lag behind the physical demands of their work.
“They’re caring for others while their own health is at risk,” said a spokesperson Pegasus Legal Capital. “It’s an urgent call for hospitals and clinics to improve staffing and training.”
Retail and Warehouse Workers at Risk
Retail trade ranked second in total injuries, with 334,700 cases, many in big box and general merchandise stores, which alone reported 88,900 injuries.
Repetitive motion, extended standing, and customer altercations are among the most common injury causes. Warehouse and logistics jobs saw similarly high numbers due to heavy lifting and machinery accidents.
Fatalities Remain Unacceptably High
Even with stricter safety standards, 5,283 workers died on the job in 2023.
The leading killers were:
- Transportation incidents (36.9%)
- Falls, slips, trips (16.8%)
- Exposure to harmful substances (15.6%)
- Struck-by accidents (14.8%)
- Workplace violence (14%)
Together, these five categories account for more than 98% of all work-related deaths.
Tennessee Tops the Fatality List
The study found that Tennessee has the highest workplace fatality rate in the nation, with 5.4 deaths per 100,000 workers—over 50% higher than the national average.
High-risk industries include construction, trucking, and manufacturing, while neighboring states like Georgia (4.0) and Texas (4.1) also reported above-average death rates.
Meanwhile, states like California (2.5) and New York (2.8) show that stronger regulation and enforcement can make a measurable difference.
Economic Cost and Human Consequences
According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries cost over $167 billion annually, a figure that includes lost wages, medical bills, and employer expenses. Adjusted for inflation, today’s burden likely exceeds $180 billion.
Behind those numbers are real people: workers who can’t afford medical care, families struggling without income, and small businesses losing key employees to preventable accidents.
“It’s not just a safety issue, it’s a justice issue,” said the spokesperson. “Workers deserve the tools, training, and legal protections that match the risks they face.”
A Call for Prevention and Accountability
The report emphasizes that the majority of workplace injuries are preventable.
Recommendations include:
- Expanding OSHA inspection resources
- Mandating safety audits in high-fatality industries
- Requiring ergonomic and fall-prevention equipment in healthcare and construction
- Improving reporting transparency to track unsafe employers
Legal Support for Injured Workers
When prevention fails, injured employees often rely on workers’ compensation or lawsuit funding to stay afloat. These resources allow them to cover medical bills and daily expenses while waiting for claim resolutions, without being forced into premature settlements.
“After an accident, financial pressure can be just as painful as the injury itself,” said a spokesperson from Pegasus Legal Capital. “Access to legal and financial support gives workers time to heal and fight for fair compensation.”
