In 2021, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States, an increase from 4,764 in 2020. This equates to a fatal work injury rate of 3.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, up from 3.4 in 2020. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations, as well as construction and extraction occupations, accounted for nearly half of all fatal occupational injuries (Work Injury Source) (OSHA).

Non-fatal workplace injuries are also significant. In 2021, the manufacturing sector reported a rate of 2.8 non-fatal injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers. Common causes of these injuries include slips, trips, and falls, contact with objects and equipment, and overexertion (Work Injury Source) (OSHA).

These statistics underscore the importance of improving safety measures in manufacturing facilities, such as integrating pressure-sensitive sensors in robotic arms, to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.