NCDOL Releases 2010 Workplace Fatality Figures

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - Preliminary figures released today by the N.C. Department of Labor show 48 fatal work accidents in 2010, up from 34 in 2009, with the two leading causes of workplace fatalities being struck-by accidents and falls.

“Any workplace death is a tragedy and of great concern because it affects so many people—the family, co-workers, the community and our department,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “We'll redouble our efforts and work even harder to prevent these accidents from happening, and we'll call on employers and employees across the state to recommit themselves to workplace safety and health in 2011.”

The 48 fatal work accidents in 2010 are below the five-year average of 53.2.

The NCDOL Occupational Safety and Health Division tracks fatalities to identify patterns or trends and to alert industries as a means to prevent similar accidents. The OSH Division also partners with employers and employees in hazardous industries like construction to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. In 2010, the OSH Division issued hazard alerts regarding bridge construction, tree care and forklifts after identifying problems in those areas.

The OSH Division has identified four hazards known as “the big four” that have caused 80 percent of the work-related deaths in North Carolina during the past decade. The leading cause of the work-related fatalities in 2010 was struck-by accidents with 16 fatalities, followed by falls with 15. Nine workers were crushed by objects, and four were electrocuted. Four workers died in other fatal events.

“Many of the fatalities involved falls or crushed-by accidents and these can be avoided by using fall protection and paying close attention to your surroundings,” said Allen McNeely, director of the Occupational Safety and Health Division. Some speculate that job loss and a weakened economy have workers worried about their livelihoods and this distraction may be a factor.

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