Workplace Deaths Fall by 24 percent in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Labor says workplace fatalities in the commonwealth declined by 24 percent in 2009.

The Virginia Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released Friday shows 118 workers were killed on the job in 2009, down from 156 in 2008. The 2009 figure is preliminary.

Forty-two workers were killed in transportation incidents, down from 52 in 2008. Despite the decline, transportation incidents remained the leading cause of on-the-job deaths in Virginia.

Assaults and violent acts resulted in 31 deaths, compared to 37 in 2008.

Other causes included contact with objects or equipment, falls and exposure to harmful substances or environments.