>> Total incurred benefits in Montana per 100,000 workers were almost 123 percent above the national median.
>> Montana’s incurred claims per 100,000 workers was the highest among 46 U.S. jurisdictions (52 percent above the median), and 26 percent above the median of five neighboring states.
>> Injuries and illnesses incidence rates per 100 full time workers, 2006:
Montana 6.9
Washington 6.6
Oregon 5.3
Utah 5.2
Wyoming 4.8
>> Montana can save millions of dollars by bringing the injury rate down to the national average.
>> Montana has the second highest rate of workplace fatalities in the country.
>> Nationally, about 70 working teens die and an estimated 230,000 are injured on the job every year.
>> Nearly 1,000 young Montana workers (ages 16-24) are injured on the job each year. Many are disabled for life.
>> There are more injuries on the job for workers aged 16-24 than for workers 25 and older.
>> Most young worker injuries happen during the first month on the job.
>> The top reasons for young worker injuries are:
Inexperience and unfamiliarity with tasks assigned
Lack of proper training or supervision
Reluctance to ask for help or guidance
Working when tired (after a full day of school)
Taking on tasks beyond their ability to perform safely
>> Each year in the U.S., more than 2 million youth age 20 and under are exposed to farm and ranch safety hazards.
>> Nearly 30% of the country’s 11.6 million restaurant employees are under 20. Most nonfatal work related injuries to young employees take place in restaurants.
>> The construction industry ranks third in the number of work-related deaths to young workers. Fourteen percent of these deaths are kids under 18.
