The first month of the year has barely started and two men have already died in St. Louis workplace accidents. A Butler Merchandising Solutions employee died when he became trapped in machinery. City Museum founder Robert Cassilly was killed at the construction site of his latest attraction, Cementland, when the bulldozer he was driving flipped over several times while rolling down a hill.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,547 people died in U.S. workplace accidents during 2010. Of those fatalities, 107 occurred in Missouri, a slight drop from 2009 when 142 Missouri workers died in job-related accidents. Nationwide, 3.1 million non-fatal workplace injuries were reported in 2010, 1 in 3 requiring missed work days. In Missouri, transportation-related accidents took the greatest toll, accounting for nearly 60% of all workplace fatalities, followed by agricultural and construction site accidents.

According to Labor Bureau statistics, approximately 90% of 2010 workplace fatalities involved white, non-Hispanic, men; 70% of whom were wage or salary workers. The greatest number of fatalities occurred among workers aged 45 to 54, followed closely by workers aged 35 to 44.

The serious injury or loss of a loved one due to a work-related accident is a horrific life-changing event that can devastate the emotional and financial health of the worker’s family. Serious injuries can require weeks or months of costly medical care and rehabilitation. An experienced Missouri work injury attorney can explore all legal options and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.  Call the attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman today for free consultation at (314) 241-1020 or toll free (866) 298-1020.