ARTICLE
The likelihood of dying on the job didn't change in 2018, according to workplace fatality numbers released Dec. 17 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The fatality rate in the construction industry was unchanged at 9.5 with 1,008 deaths. And, among our workforce there was a 14% reduction in fall fatalities. Overall, 5,250 workers died in the U.S., up 2% from 5,147, the BLS said. While the number of deaths increased, the rate remained the same because of the larger workforce. The top causes of death were: • Traffic Accidents (29% of fatalities) • Violent Acts (16%...37% of which were suicides) • Falls/Slips/Trips (15%) • Struck by Objects/Equipment (15%) The BLS also classifies on-the-job drug overdoses as workplace deaths. For 2018, the BLS counted 305 deaths, a 12% increase over 2017 and the sixth consecutive year overdose fatalities grew. --BNA