Salt Lake City, UT – Utah recorded a preliminary count of 39 work-related fatalities in 2011, compared to 41 incidents in 2010, reflecting a five percent decline in the number of fatalities. Nationally, the count of 4,609 fatal injuries was down slightly from 4,690 in 2010.
Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal work-related events and accounted for 24 (62 percent) of the 39 fatal occupational injuries to Utah workers during 2011. Following is a list of other causes of workplace fatalities:
- Three fatalities occurred from assaults and violent acts, 8 percent of the total.
- Falls to a lower level accounted for five fatalities, 13 percent of the total.
- Contacts with objects and equipment also accounted for five fatalities, 13 percent of the total.
Out of the 39 workers fatally injured in 2011:
- 37 were men
- 35 were white (non-Hispanic)
- 9 were self employed.
The age categories with the highest number of workplace fatalities included:
- 25-34 years old, with 10 deaths (26 percent)
- Followed by 35-44 years old, with 9 deaths (23 percent)
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) study includes data for all fatal work injuries, whether they are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act or other federal or state agency regulations, or are outside the scope of regulatory coverage. Data for 2011 are preliminary.
The CFOI, conducted throughout the nation, is part of a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) program that provides a complete count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Utah Labor Commission Statistics Department compiles detailed information on all work-related fatalities that take place within the state of Utah and works in close proximity with the BLS program. Fatality statistics are used to fulfill a commitment to increasing safety in the workplace.
The Statistics department annually releases total fatality counts and descriptive data in an effort to provide the most accurate information to assist employers, safety departments, and employees in identifying occupational safety and health issues in the state.
Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data are available at: http://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/IndustrialAccidents/bls.html
Source: UT Labor Commission