The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released preliminary data on workplace deaths in 2011. Here are some quick data points from the report:

• The number of deaths (4,609) and the rate of deaths per 100,000 workers (3.5) remain relatively flat compared to 2010; the revised numbers later next year will likely increase both figures. So what does that mean? Perhaps the economy still hasn’t fully recovered, or safety efforts continue to plateau or maybe both.
• The deadliest occupation is motor vehicle operators, which had 851 deaths in 2011.
• The event or exposure that caused the most deaths was transportation incidents, with 1,898 deaths.
• Workers 45-54 years old had more deaths than any other group, with 1,207.

The January issue of Safety+Health will have a full write up of this BLS report, and the upcoming nonfatal occupational injury and illness figures. If you have some thoughts on the “State of Safety,” I’d love to hear them. Email me at [email protected].

The opinions expressed in "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.