Occupational Fatalities measures the combined rate of fatal injuries in the following industries: construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation, utilities, professional, and business services, as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Rather than using an occupational fatality rate for all workers, this industry-adjusted rate is used to account for the different industry mixes in each state in order to accurately reflect the safety differences between the states. Occupational fatalities are measured over a three-year span because of their low incidence rate. In states where occupational fatality data is not available for a specific industry, the national rate for that industry was used to calculate the state’s occupational fatality rate. Ranks are based on occupational fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Labor for the preceeding three years.

 

Occupational fatalities represent the impact of high risk jobs or unsafe working conditions on the population. Occupational injuries would be a preferred measure; however, there is not a uniform reporting system used by all 50 states. Occupational fatalities represent the most severe outcome from the work environment and injuries incurred there. These deaths contribute towards premature death as occupational fatalities often occur in the prime of one’s life. Every year there are 5,600 occupational fatalities as a result of an estimated 8.6 million occupational injuries[1]. The estimated direct medical cost of these injuries exceeds $46 billion[2]. The significant burden that occupational injuries and fatalities place on the community makes it an excellent target for interventions. Significant progress has been made in reducing the number of occupational injuries and fatalities even in riskiest of occupations through well documented measures such as increasing safety precautions and increased regulatory oversight[3]^-[4].