The previous post discussed the recent release of the 2009 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Specifically, it examined the dramatic decline in the total number of recorded fatal work injuries in 2009 and how our nation's current economic climate (i.e., a six percent reduction in the total number of hours worked) contributed to this figure.

(Please see "BLS Releases Findings on 2009 Workplace Fatalities" for more information.")

Today's post will continue to examine the CFOI's statistics regarding the number of fatal work injuries in 2009.

The 2009 CFOI is comprised of an extensive series of preliminary findings and profiles. To illustrate, the survey breaks the number of fatal workplace injuries down by types of incident, industry sector, occupation, geography and even demographic characteristics.

While a complete analysis of all the BLS' findings is perhaps beyond the scope of this blog, it is nevertheless very interesting to take a brief glance at some of the survey's more interesting preliminary findings.

• The number of fatal transportation accidents in 2009 fell 21 percent
• The number of fatal work injuries for salary and wage workers fell 20 percent, while the number of fatal work injuries for self-employed workers fell three percent
• The number of fatal work injuries in the construction industry fell by 16 percent

In addition, the CFOI found:

• In 2009, the construction sector had the highest number of recorded fatalities of all industries with 816
• In 2009, truck drivers and employees who rely on transportation had the highest number of recorded fatalities of all occupations with 586

It is imperative that employers in all industries take the time to analyze these findings and implement the necessary measures to prevent not only workplace fatalities, but serious workplace injuries as well.

Please note that these findings are preliminary. The agency will release the final 2009 CFOI findings in April 2011, after all vital statistics have been provided by participating governmental agencies.

Related Resources:
  
• National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2009 (Preliminary Results) (Bureau of labor Statistics)