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The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the preliminary results of fatal workplace injuries for 2012. According to their findings, 4,383 fatal work injuries were reported in the United States during 2012. Over the past five years the preliminary count has increased. If these findings are accurate, this year's tally marks the first, albeit slight, decrease in workplace fatalities. In 2011, the number was slightly higher at 4,693.

In New Jersey, the number of fatal injuries decreased as well. There were 99 reported fatal injuries connected to the job in 2011 and 90 in 2012. In the state, if a worker is injured or killed on the job the worker or his or her dependents may be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits.

Summary of findings

According to the report, the deadliest jobs in the country include:-Loggers. Also known as lumberjacks, these professionals are responsible for harvesting, cutting and transporting the timber that is used to produce paper and other wood products.-Fishermen and women. Although this profession once held the top spot, fishermen and women now come in second for the most dangerous job in the country.-Aircraft pilots. These professionals are at risk of serious injury from malfunctioning machinery and falling heavy objects, according to a recent article in Forbes.-Drivers. Employees who drive for sales work or trucking companies suffered the highest number of fatal injuries within the transportation and material moving occupations.

Those who held professions in the construction and agricultural businesses also topped the list. The Bureau noted that fatalities within the construction profession experienced an increase of five percent in 2012.

Fatal workplace accidents in New Jersey

According to the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2012 (Preliminary Results)release by the Bureau, 90 people were killed in New Jersey from workplace accidents in 2012. These accidents included 34 transportation related incidents, 11 slip-and-falls and 14 accidents that resulted from contact with objects and equipment.

Those injured on the job may be eligible for payment through the workers' compensation program. This system is designed to help provide workers with compensation and death benefits to families who lose a loved one as a result of his or her job. The program provides these benefits regardless of fault in exchange for the worker agreeing not to file a civil suit against the employer.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in the course of employment, contact an experienced New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer to discuss your workers' comp options and help answer any questions you may have about the process.