Fla. Workplace Fatalities Fall in 2003

According to a joint federal and state survey, Florida workplaces had seven fewer fatal accidents in 2003 than the previous year, including a decrease in the number of Hispanic workers killed.

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), conducted annually by the Department of Financial Services in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, reported a total of 354 work-related fatalities in 2002, compared to 347 in 2003. Fatalities among Hispanic workers decreased in 2003 to 90 deaths.

While, the construction industry reportedly continues to record the highest number of fatal injuries of any major industry, the number decreased by six to 93 over last year’s survey which recorded 99 construction deaths.

The CFOI uses a variety of state and federal data sources to identify, verify and profile work-related fatalities. The census is intended to be a tool for safety promotion, training, resource allocation, standards assessment and hazard alertness.

Visit www.fldfs.com/wc and scroll to “Breaking News” to view the complete Florida statistics from 2003.