Explosions, fires kill 47% more workers in 2010

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Explosions, fires kill 47% more workers in 2010

From Woodworking.com and Woodworking Network, an article based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, shows 47% rise in fire and explosion deaths in 2010.


WASHINGTON — Work-related fatalities resulting from fires and explosions increased dramatically from 113 in 2009 to 187 in 2010 -- the highest count since 2003, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
This 47% rise in fire and explosion deaths stands out from the rest of the report which indicated that job-related deaths held steady from 2009 to 2010. In fact, four fewer workers died on the job in 2010 than in 2009, 4,547 compared to 4,551 respectively.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is continuing to study the potential of developing a combustible dust standard that could impact the woodworking and other industries.
The top five causes of work-related deaths are:
  • Transportation incidents, 1,766;
  • Assaults and violent acts, including homicides, 888;
  • Contact with objects and equipment, including getting caught in equipment or struck by projectile, 732;
  • Falls, 635; and
  • Exposure to harmful substances or environments, 409.
Three hundred and 20 deaths occurred in manufacturing compared to 768 in mining, 751 in construction, and 586 in agriculture and forestry.
View the Bureau of Labor Statistics report on occupational fatalities.

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