Santa Fe -- The New Mexico Environment Department announces today that workplace fatalities in New Mexico increased in 2011 from 2010, with a preliminary total of 51 work-related deaths in 2011 compared to a total of 38 work-related deaths in 2010, according to the state's Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) study.
"This is a sobering reminder that workplace safety can never be taken for granted," said NMED Deputy Secretary Butch Tongate. "The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau constantly strives to help employers and employees identify and eliminate workplace hazards that often lead to injuries and fatalities. In the end, it is up to employers to create a safety culture in their organization."
The biggest increase occurred in transportation-related deaths. Transportation incidents remain the most frequent type of fatal work-related event and accounted for 21 of the 51 fatal occupational injuries to New Mexico workers during 2011. Transportation incidents accounted for 12 of the 38 fatal occupational injuries to New Mexico workers during 2010.
Other causes of workplace fatalities in 2011 include:
· Contact with objects and equipment – fifteen (15) fatalities
· Exposure to harmful substances or environment – six (6) fatalities
· Violence and other injuries by persons or animals – four (4) fatalities
In 2011, the goods producing industry accounted for 27 (53%) of the fatal work injuries while serving providing industries accounted for 21 (41%). In the goods providing industry, there are ten (10) natural resources and mining fatalities, ten (10) construction fatalities, and seven (7) manufacturing fatalities. In the service providing industry, there were fourteen (14) trade, transportation, and utilities fatalities.
The age category with the highest number of workplace fatalities in 2011 was 45 to 54 years with sixteen (16) fatalities, followed by 55 to 64 years with nine (9) fatalities, 35 to 44 years with nine (9) fatalities, 25 to 34 years with eight (8) fatalities, 65 and older with six (6) and 20 to 24 years old with three (3) fatalities.
The source of the data is the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in cooperation with state agencies. The CFOI study includes data for all fatal work injuries in New Mexico. The data for 2011 is preliminary.
The fatality census, conducted throughout the nation, is part of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Safety and Health statistics program that provides a nationwide count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
For more information on workplace health and safety, or to request free on-site consultation for your business operation, contact the NMED Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) at (505) 476-8700.
Workplace Fatalities Increase in New Mexico for the Year 2011
- Category: Local News Releases
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