Workplace Fatalities are tracked by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Similar to the data surveys conducted on Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in the Commonwealth, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in conjunction with states and federal administrative agencies also collects data on the number of fatal workplace injuries. Calculated annually in a program known as the Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries, census amasses data from various federal and state administrative sources on the number of deaths which occur while at work, including death certificates from workers’ compensation reports and claims, reports to various regulatory agencies, and medical examiner reports.
Massachusetts had 51 workplace fatalities in 2014
In 2014, the latest year for which complete data is available, there were 51 workplace fatalities in the Commonwealth. This total is a decrease of six fatalities from the 2013 number. In comparison with other New England states, however, Massachusetts had the highest rate of workplace fatalities while Vermont had the lowest.
The leading number of workplace fatalities occurred in transportation accidents, in which 17 people were killed in 2014. Following transportation accidents, the second leading cause of workplace deaths in Massachusetts were assaults and violent acts and falls. Other major causes of workplace fatalities include contact with objects and equipment, exposure to harmful substances or environments, and fires and explosions.
The following chart outlines the data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for both Massachusetts and the other five New England states. In addition to comparing workplace fatalities in the region, it also takes a look at which causes or events in the workplace caused the most deaths.
