Work-related deaths increase slightly; transportation incidents leading cause

    Work-related deaths in Colorado increased slightly between 2015 and 2016, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In 2016, there were a total of 81 fatal work injuries recorded, an 8 percent increase from the 75 reported in 2015. The fatal injury rate also increased to 3 per 100,000 full-time-equivalent workers from 2.9 in 2015.
    The figures, available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, indicate work injuries involving transportation remained the most common cause of work-related deaths in Colorado in 2016, accounting for 59 percent (48 workers). Violence and other injuries by people or animals was the second most prevalent cause of fatal work injuries, up to 13 fatalities in 2016 from eight in 2015.
    There were 20 fatalities in the trade, transportation and utilities industry. Fatalities in the construction industry decreased by 43 percent, from 21 fatalities in 2015 to 12 fatalities in 2016. Some numbers do not add up to 100 because some data do not meet the Bureau of Labor Statistics publication criteria.
    Causes of work-related deaths in 2016:
    — Transportation-related deaths continued to be the leading cause of work-related deaths in Colorado, with 48 deaths accounting for 59 percent of the state’s 81 occupational fatalities during 2016. Of these 48 deaths, 33 were roadway accidents.

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