Definition - What does Fatality mean?
A fatality is the death of a person resulting from injuries sustained during an accident or as a result of a contracted medical condition. A fatality can arise from numerous incidents, such as a person being struck or caught by an object; involvement in a motor vehicle accident; or handling of harmful materials or substances. A fatality is the most serious worksite incident.
SureHire explains Fatality
In the workplace, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulates and monitors workplace procedures in order to prevent fatalities from occurring in the workplace. There are various types of fatalities that can transpire, such as a workplace incident fatality where a worker dies as a result of the performance of their duties; a work-related motor vehicle fatality where a worker is an occupant of a work vehicle involved in an accident; or an occupational disease fatality resulting from the contracting of a disease through exposure to workplace hazards such as toxic materials. Where a fatality is deemed to be work-related, the Worker's Compensation Board may pay out death benefits to the family of the deceased. Incidents that result in fatalities are investigated heavily and can result in fines or charges against employers depending on the determined circumstances.
