Worker deaths in Ind. hit all-time low since 1992

The Indiana Department of Labor reported 113 worker deaths in 2012, the lowest number since 1992.

The IDOL released the annual preliminary Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report for 2012 Thursday, which revealed the lowest number of worker deaths since CFOI was introduced in 1992, according to a press release.

Manufacturing experienced a 28-percent decrease in fatalities in 2012, which were seen in eight of 10  major Hoosier industries, according to the release. Manufacturing also experienced the highest one-year decline of major Indiana
industries.

IDOL Commissioner Sean Keefer said in the release the IDOL continues to push to achieve the goal of a safe and healthy workplace for Hoosier workers.

Fifty six of the occupational fatalities reported in 2012 were a result of transportation-related incidents, while 53 percent of the transportation fatalities were a result of roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles.

In early 2013, the IDOL started implementing strategies to help companies with preventing transportation-related worker deaths, according to the release.

“The record-low number of workplace deaths means everyone, employers and employees alike, are doing a better job of protecting the Hoosier workforce,” Keefer said in the release. “But we still have work to do to achieve a fully safe workplace environment statewide.”

— Matt Stefanski