Latest Data Show Slight Uptick in Workplace Fatalities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 5,250 fatal workplace injuries across all U.S. industries and ownerships in 2018, according to updated data. That’s an increase of 103 from 2017. The fatality rate was unchanged from 2017 at 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.

In 2018, there were 96 fewer fatal falls, slips, and trips than in 2017. But this decrease was more than offset by an increase of 91 cases in fatal contact with objects and equipment — and an increase of 90 cases in exposure to harmful substances or environments. 1/2/2020