The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its results of the 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. According to the census, workplace fatalities declined by 3.7% year-over-year. In 2023, 5,283 workplace fatalities occurred at a rate of 3.5 per 100,000 full-time employees, lower than 3.7 in 2022. In the U.S., one fatality is reported every 99 minutes in 2023.
The construction sector had the most number of fatalities since 2011 with 1,075 cases this year. The most frequent causes of death in this sector are slips, trips, and falls (39.2%) then transportation incidents. Throughout all industries, transportation incidents were the most common cause of fatal incidents, 36.8% of all fatalities in the workplace in 2023. About 740 fatalities were because of violent acts: 61.9% were homicide cases whereas 8.7% were work-related fatalities. 162 deaths in the workplace were because of using opioids.
Most fatalities involved men, while 8.5% of all workplace fatalities involved women. However, women were involved in 63% of fatalities in the social assistance and private healthcare sectors. Employees aged 55 to 64 years old suffered the most number of deaths in 2023, which is 20.6% of all deaths. Employees ages 25 to 34 suffered the most number of deaths caused by violent acts.
According to Assistant Secretary Doug Parker of the U.S. Department of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, the Bureau of Labor Statistics report is positive news for employee safety and health. November’s report revealed that 2023 had the lowest rate of non-fatal employee injuries and illnesses in 20 years. The number and rate of fatal employee injuries also declined in 2023. The number of fatal injuries involving Black employees decreased by 10.2%, and the number involving Latino employees decreased from 4.6 to 4.4 for every 100,000 employees. Dealing with high rates involving these populations and identifying the excessive effect of work risks on employees of color make it possible for more employees to finish their work safely.
Though these fatalities have nothing to do with PHI exposure, the healthcare sector is also affected and healthcare providers should be aware of it and implement steps to enhance workplace safety.