Workplace deaths drop in Washington state: report
Tumwater, WA – A record-low 51 workers died on the job in the state of Washington in 2011, according to a new report (.pdf file). The report, released March 14 by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, is based on preliminary data.
Washington typically averages between 80 and 90 work-related deaths each year; the state had 89 in 2010. Last year, fewer deaths occurred in manufacturing and agriculture, forestry, and fishing, as well as multiple-fatality incidents, the report stated. Construction deaths also remained low at six – down from a 10-year high of 23 in 2006.
Other findings include:
- The transportation and warehousing industry had the most fatalities with 13.
- One-third of deaths occurred at businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
- Most deaths occurred in the 50-59 age group.
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