Annual Report Reveals 48 Massachusetts Workers Died in 2013

An annual report looking at the number of on-the-job deaths and injuries in Massachusetts has found 48 workers were killed on their job in 2013.

The report, produced by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupation Safety and Health, also estimates 480 workers died in the state from occupational disease last year.

The report said that falls of all types caused almost one-fifth – nine out of 48 – of all occupational fatalities in Massachusetts in 2013.

Being crushed in machines or struck by equipment was another leading cause of workplace deaths, accounting for nine worker deaths.

The report also faulted the federal Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration for lacking the funding, staff and tools to deter violations and said fines for violations are too low.