In Montana and across the U.S., a greater number of people are working later in life. There are benefits to this, but there can also be drawbacks. Research indicates that many fatalities on the job involve people who are considered older. With this rise in people who are working at age 55 and older, there is information about the number of people in this category who are victims of fatal workplace accidents. In this research analyzed by the Associated Press, Montana was fourth in the U.S. for the number of older workers who died while working.
In Montana in 2015, there were 16 people age 55 and older who died in fatal workplace accidents. There were 36 deaths in total. That comes to 44 percent being at least age 55. Overall, the numbers were 12.58 deaths for every 100,000 workers. A minimum of 10 people within that age range died annually from 2006 forward. Across the nation, approximately 35 percent of fatalities in the workplace involved a person who was 55 and above.
According to Department of Labor statistics, almost 6.5 percent of people in Montana's workforce are 65 and older. This is the second highest number in the nation. In 2015, Montana came in third for the most fatal workplace accidents. For every 100,000 workers, there were 7.35 fatalities. That was a reduction from 2007 when there were 11.49 fatalities for every 100,000 workers.
For a variety of reasons, many older people are working far longer than people in the same age range once did. This could be attributed to financial needs, that people are living longer, because they want to stay productive, and for numerous other explanations. Regardless of the reason older people are working, it is relevant to keep track of the age of those involved in fatal workplace accidents. For those who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident while the person was at work, it is important to determine how it happened and consider a legal filing for compensation. A lawyer experienced with workplace injuries and fatalities can help with a case.