Tuesday, September 30, 1997 Governor Secretary |
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Workplace fatalities declined by eight for a total of 108 in 1996. This continues a downward trend in fatalities from their 1993 level at 138 deaths.
"The improvement is remarkable because it comes during a time of record levels of employment, especially in dangerous occupations," noted Gregory Krohm, Administrator for the Division of Worker's Compensation. The leading cause of deaths is still transportation accidents and has been since the survey began in 1991.
The fatality census conducted throughout the nation, is part of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics safety and health statistical program which provides a complete count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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In Wisconsin, fatalities from violent acts are a relatively small portion of all workplace injuries. Dona Haag, lead analyst on this survey, added that "It should be reassuring to note that fatalities from violent acts have declined nearly every year since 1992."
Men accounted for 90 percent of fatal workplace injuries; workers aged 35-44 years had 28 percent of fatalities, followed by ages 55-64 (21 percent). Employees aged 65 and over are up to four times more likely to be fatally injured at work than any other age group.
Thirty percent of workers employed one year or less were fatally injured compared to 48 percent in 1995.
The full report, "Census of Fatal Injuries - 1996," is available by writing the Division or from its Web site at: www.dwd.state.wi.us/wc/safe_hm.htm.
For more information, contact: Dona Haag at 608/266-7850