Virginia Workplace Fatalities Drop 15 Percent

Workplace fatalities in Virginia dropped 15 percent in 2007 to their lowest level since 1995.

The Virginia Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported that 141 on-the-job fatalities were reported last year compared to 165 the year before.

In 1995, 132 fatalities were reported.

The highest percentage of occupational deaths occurred in transportation, which accounted for 38 percent of the state’s total. Fifty-three workers died in transportation-related incidents, which was eight fewer than was reported in 2006.

Nationally, 5,488 work-related fatalities were recorded last year, down from 5,840 the year before. The 2007 number was the lowest national total since the yearly census began in 1992.