August 8, 1996

JOB-RELATED DEATHS UP SLIGHTLY IN 1995

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- A total of 249 Illinois workers were killed on the job in 1995, nearly one-third the result of transportation incidents, primarily crashes or workers struck by a vehicle, according to a fatality census released today by the Illinois Department of Public Health. In 1994, there were 247 occupational fatalities recorded in the state.

The Department's Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, conducted for the fourth year, is part of a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics effort to provide a complete count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states. In Illinois, records are compiled by the Department from a variety of sources, including death certificates, workers' compensation reports, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports and news accounts.

Of the 249 job-related deaths in Illinois, 78 (31 percent) resulted from transportation incidents; 44 (18 percent) from falls; 43 (17 percent) from assaults and violent acts, including 26 shootings; and 38 (15 percent) from contact with objects and equipment.

The construction industry had the most workplace deaths with 63 (25 percent), followed by 38 (15 percent) in transportation and public utilities, 35 (14 percent) in manufacturing, 32 (13 percent) in wholesale and retail trade and 30 (12 percent) in agriculture.

Fatal workplace injuries were highest among men (96 percent), who comprise 54 percent of the state's workforce; workers 25 to 54 years of age (67 percent); and whites (93 percent). Nine women died as a result of injuries on the job. Self-employed workers experienced 55 (22 percent) fatal occupational injuries, a higher proportion than their 7 percent share of the Illinois workforce.

By occupation, 93 (37 percent) were operators, fabricators and laborers; 61 (24 percent) were precision production, craft and repair workers; 29 (12 percent) were managerial and professional specialty workers; 28 (11 percent) were farm workers; and 24 (10 percent) were technical, sales and administrative support workers.

In comparison to 1994, there was a 40 percent increase in job-related deaths among construction workers. Agriculture industry deaths decreased 30 percent; job related deaths among women dropped 47 percent; and deaths due to assaults and violent acts decreased 14 percent.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments