Workplace injuries in the United States totaled 4,547 in 2010, down four from the previous year, according to recently released preliminary data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, total hours worked were up slightly over 2008 and 2009, although not necessarily among historically high-risk industries.

Among manufacturing industries, there were 320 fatalities in 2010, compared with 319 in 2009. Preliminary data among selected manufacturing sectors show 53 were in food manufacturing, 47 were in fabricated metal products, 34 in wood product manufacturing, 31 in transportation equipment manufacturing, 24 in chemical manufacturing and 11 in paper manufacturing.

At 751, the construction industry recorded more fatalities than any other industry.

Overall Fatalities by Incident

By incident type, the number of overall fatal work injuries from fires and explosions was 187 in 2010, an increase of 65% from 2009.

Workplace homicides dropped by 7% to 506 cases. That’s a drop of greater than 50% from a high of 1,080 reported in 1994.

Fatal falls declined slightly, falling to 635 in 2010 from 645 in the previous year.

Fatal injuries from being hit by objects or equipment dropped 4% to 402.

View article on one page