AUGUSTA — Nineteen Maine workers – all men – died from occupational or work-related injuries in 2013, according to a report recently issued by the Research and Statistics Unit of the Bureau of Labor Standards.
The report calculated Maine’s occupational fatality rate at 3.2 per 100,000 workers, a full percentage point lower than the rate for 2012. The national rate for 2013 was 3.4 per 100,000 workers.
The most common cause of death – 32 percent of fatalities – was transportation accidents, including motorized accidents, collisions involving other people, animals or objects and aircraft accidents. Tools, instruments and equipment were the second-most common causes, accounting for three of the 19 fatalities.
The Research and Statistics Unit manages and analyzes data on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses and issues summary reports that help employers identify areas for improvements in safety and health protection.
Businesses interested in confidential and no-charge assistance in reducing workplace injuries should visit the SafetyWorks! website .
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