Indianapolis, IN August 20, 2008 — The Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) today released the 2007 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data for Indiana. In 2007, there were a total of 127 fatal occupational injuries in Indiana—21 fewer fatalities than reported in 2006 and the lowest recorded since the CFOI system was introduced in 1991. The IDOL’s Quality, Metrics, and Statistics Division partners with the BLS to track each occupational fatality that occurs in the state of Indiana.
Two of Indiana’s major industries reported historic lows in 2007 as well. Manufacturing reported seven fatalities, down 46% from 2006, and a significant reduction from an industry high of 40 in 1997. Indiana’s Retail Trade industry reported four fatalities, a number well-below the industry’s average of 13. Together, the Manufacturing and Retail Trade industries employ nearly one-third of the state’s workforce.
“Each fatality is a tragedy, and I’ve met with grieving family members who have lost loved ones. We must continually push for more safety in the workplace, but these results offer encouragement,” said Governor Mitch Daniels.
Many factors have led to the historic decrease of overall workplace related fatalities. One factor is the Indiana Department of Labor’s IOSHA and INSafe, the OSHA Consultation Division, working to foster a more proactive and cooperative relationship with the business community in Indiana. This includes partnerships on major construction projects such as Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indianapolis International Airport and the Argosy Casino. IOSHA and INSafe have also signed Alliances with trade organizations and associations like the Sheet Metal Contractors Association and the Sheet Metal Workers Union, as well as the Indiana Ready Mix Concrete Association. The Department of Labor has recognized 67 companies through its VPP and INSHARP programs for developing and implementing exemplary health and safety systems.
Commissioner of Labor, Lori A. Torres, stated, “With more than three million Hoosier workers and nearly 140,000 employers, the only way to make a substantive difference in the long term is to engage employers, trade groups and labor organizations in the agency’s efforts. More can be accomplished through cooperative measures such as recognition programs, partnerships, and consultation together with rigorous enforcement, than through enforcement alone. Together with positive reinforcement by recognizing those businesses who go above and beyond the OSHA minimums, other employers are encouraged and it allows them to understand that there is assistance for them, both through the agency and mentor companies.”
Other workplace fatalities by industry include: Transportation (32), Agriculture (22) and Construction (21). The workplace fatalities in these industries are below their previous five-year averages. The majority of transportation industry fatalities are motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks and vans. While 2007 reports indicate fewer transportation-related deaths, these types of incidents remain the primary cause of workplace fatalities across all Indiana industries.
Hoosier occupations that reported the highest number of workplace fatalities included truck drivers (28), farmers (17) and construction workers (14). It should be noted that farms with less than 11 workers are not subject to IOSHA inspections. Also, Owner/Operator truck drivers are exempt from IOSHA regulatory authority as they are sole proprietorships.
Overwhelmingly, the majority of Hoosiers killed on-the-job are male (94%). The top events contributing to fatal injuries of female workers were transportation (50%) and assaults (25%).
Additional information on Indiana’s CFOI data can be obtained by visiting the IDOL’s Website under the Publications link or at http://www.in.gov/labor/stats. Information on non-fatal workplace injury and illness statistics will be released by the Indiana Department of Labor in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ release of the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) report due out in October of 2008.
About the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data for Indiana includes work-related fatalities resulting from unintentional and intentional injuries. CFOI uses multiple data sources to identify, document, and verify work-related injury deaths. On an annual basis thousands of documents including death certificates are reviewed by the IDOL’s Quality, Metric and Statistics Division staff to provide this data. The Quality, Metrics and Statistics division of Indiana Department of Labor partners with the BLS to track each occupational fatality that occurs in the state of Indiana. CFOI began tracking the data in 1991.
About the Indiana Department of Labor:
The mission of the Indiana Department of Labor is to advance the safety, health, and prosperity of Hoosiers in the workplace. In order to make significant strides, we emphasize both enforcement and compliance assistance by employers. www.in.gov/dol.
Source: Indiana Department of Labor