Annual Report: On-the-Job Deaths Decline but Risks Still Too High

An average of 12 workers every day died on the job in 2009, a total of 4,340 fatalities according to the AFL-CIO's annual "Death on the Job" report (PDF).

That's down slightly from previous years, but the report doesn't credit safer workplaces and better enforcement. Despite improvements during the Obama administration, the report says OSHA staffing is still "woefully inadequate" and criminal penalties are still too weak to be effective.

The more likely reason for the decline is the economy. Citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the report says the recession led to fewer hours worked, particularly in construction and other industries that historically have experienced large numbers of deaths.

An estimated 50,000 workers died of occupational diseases in 2009 and another 4.1 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in private, state and local workplaces. However, experts believe there is significant under-reporting, and that the actual figure may be two to three times higher, 8 million to 12 million.

"Death on the Job," which the AFL-CIO has issued for 20 years, includes state as well as national figures. It shows that Montana had the highest rate of worker fatalities in 2009, with Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska following close behind.

Find the full report at www.aflcio.org or click here (PDF).