Montana Census Of Fatal Occupational Injuries for 2011

Helena, MT (WorkersCompensation.com) - During 2011 there were a total of 49 work-related fatalities in Montana, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) study report released today by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's Research and Analysis Bureau.

Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal work related event and accounted for 25 (51 %) of the 49 fatal occupational injuries to Montana workers during 2011.

 Contact with objects and equipment had eight fatalities, 16% of the total.

 Falls on same or to lower level had five (10%) and exposure to harmful substances or environments accounted for three (6%) fatalities in 2011.

 30 (61%) of the employees fatally injured worked for others, earning wages or salaries; 19 (39%) were self-employed workers -- including farmers and paid and unpaid family workers.

Goods Producing Industries accounted for 26 (53%) of the fatal work injuries in 2011, with Service Producing Industries accounting for 20 (41%) and Government accounting three (6%).

The age category with highest number of workplace fatalities was the 45-54category with 14 deaths (29 %), followed by the 65 years and over category with 11 deaths (23 %).

The 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.

The fatality census, conducted throughout the nation, is part of a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Safety and Health Statistics program that provides a complete count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Fatality statistics are used to fulfill a commitment to increasing safety in the workplace.

Information on work-related illnesses is excluded from this census because of the latency period of many occupational illnesses and the resulting difficulties associated with linking illnesses to work.

For additional information, or a copy of the report, contact Peggy Coggeshall at the Department of Labor and Industry, Research and Analysis Bureau, 406-444-2430 or pcoggeshall@mt.gov.

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