Which term describes injuries that threaten an employee's life?

The term that describes injuries that threaten an employee's life is "fatal injury." This classification is used to indicate injuries that are so severe that they can lead to death either immediately or as a result of complications arising from the injury. Recognizing this type of injury is crucial in occupational health and safety, as it necessitates immediate medical intervention, thorough investigations, and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Understanding the severity of injuries in the workplace is vital for creating effective health and safety policies. When a fatal injury occurs, it often highlights significant lapses in workplace safety practices, making it essential for employers to address the underlying causes to protect employees from future risks. In context, while non-fatal and minor injuries do occur in workplaces, they do not pose a direct threat to life. Critical injuries are also serious but do not necessarily lead to death; rather, they may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time. Therefore, "fatal injury" accurately captures the severity and potential life-threatening nature of such incidents.