Fire-related fatalities doubled in 2010, according to BLS annual census

The number of work-related fatalities resulting from fires increased by 106 percent in 2010. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 109 fire-related fatalities among workers were the highest recorded since 2003.

The category, fires and explosions, was one of the few that saw an increase in occupational fatalities last year. Overall, the numbers were similar to those in 2009, with decreases seen in most event types.

Total hours worked were up slightly in 2010, in contrast to declines in 2008 and 2009. The preliminary total of 4,547 workplace fatalities for 2009 was nearly identical to the number in 2008. Transportation incidents accounted for the most fatalities, although the number was slightly lower than in the previous year.

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Other findings of the BLS' annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries include:

While workplace homicides declined 7 percent in 2010 to the lowest total ever recorded, homicides involving women increased by 13 percent.
Fatal injuries in the private mining industry increased by 74 percent. The increase, to 172, included multiple-fatality incidents at the Upper Big Branch Mine and the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.
Private construction saw a 10 percent decline in fatalities and a decline in total hours worked of 6 percent. However, the industry accounted for more fatal work injuries than any other industry in 2010.
Fatalities among government workers increased by 3 percent, driven largely by fatal injuries among police officers.
Fatal injuries in the educational and health service industries were higher by 13 percent.
Fatalities among women increased by 6 percent but declined by 1 percent for men.
Fatalities increased for workers under 18 years of age, those 25 to 34, and workers 55 and older.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

September 1, 2011

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