Virginia Workplace Deaths Down 12%

The state’s labor department says job-related fatalities decreased 12 percent in Virginia last year after rising for three straight years.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry says there were 164 occupational fatalities in the state in 2006, down from 186 the previous year.

Transportation accidents led with 60 deaths, down from 69 in 2005, while “contact with objects and equipment” resulted in 38 deaths, up from 35 the prior year.

There were 32 fatalities resulting from assaults and violent acts, an increase over last year’s 22 deaths, and the highest since 1998 when 41 fatalities were reported.

Of all industry sectors, construction had the most deaths with 35. The most dangerous jobs were truck and heavy tractor-trailer drivers, with 18 deaths last year, and construction laborers, with 10 deaths.

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