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Fatal Workplace Injuries Up in 2015
The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of workplace fatalities recorded in 2015 was the highest in seven years at 4,836. That figure is higher than the 4,821 reported in 2014, and the highest figure since the 5,214 reported in 2008, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Hispanic or Latino workers incurred 903 fatal injuries in 2015, the most since 937 fatalities in 2007, while workers age 65 years and older incurred 650 fatal injuries, the second-largest number for the group since the national census began in 1992, but down from the 2014 figure of 684. Roadway incident fatalities were up 9 percent from 2014 totals, accounting for over one-quarter of the fatal occupational injuries in 2015. Meanwhile, workplace suicides decreased 18 percent from 2014, but homicides rose 2 percent. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers recorded 745 fatal injuries, the most of any occupation. The 937 fatal work injuries in the private construction industry in 2015 was the highest since 975 cases in 2008.
FEBRUARY 2017 • DITCHMEN 13