Occupational Fatalities represents the impact of hazardous jobs on the population.  Occupational injuries would be a preferred component; however, there is not a uniform reporting system used by all 50 states.  Due to the different industry mixes in each state, occupational fatalities are adjusted to more accurately reflect the actual safety differences between the states.  

Occupational fatalities are measured over a three-year span because of their low incidence rate.  The industry adjustment is based on the ratio of workers in the following industries: construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services as defined by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). 

Table 26 displays the 2007 ranks, based on 2004 to 2006 data (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.).  Last year, ranks were based on data from 2002 to 2004. Scores vary from 3.1 deaths per 100,000 workers in Massachusetts to 10 or more deaths per 100,000 workers in Wyoming, Alaska, Mississippi, West Virginia, Montana and Arkansas.  The national norm is 5.3 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from 4.9 deaths per 100,000 workers in the 2006 Edition.  In Wyoming, the occupational fatalities rate decreased by 6.9 deaths per 100,000 workers in the past year and reversed the large increase from 2005 to 2006 Editions of this report. 

Return to list to select another determinant