Today, the Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) released its annual preliminary Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) report for 2013. The IDOL reported 123 worker deaths in 2013.

“The Indiana Department of Labor remains committed to promoting safe workplaces for all Hoosiers through outreach, training, safety consultations, recognition for exemplary businesses and enforcement,” said IDOL Commissioner Rick J. Ruble. “We strive to help Indiana employers improve their safety and health practices to adopt a culture of safety.”

In general, worker fatalities have continued to decrease over the past 22 years from a high of 195 in 1994 to a record low of 115 in 2012. Although an increase over last year, 2013’s 123 remains the third-lowest number of fatalities on record.

Key statistics from the 2013 CFOI report include:

• 123 Hoosier employee fatalities occurred in 2013.
• 58 fatalities resulted from transportation-related incidents. More than half of workplace transportation-related deaths (32) were attributed to roadway incidents involving motorized vehicles.
• Fatalities in Indiana’s construction industry decreased 32 percent from 22 in 2012 to 15 in 2013.

The preliminary review of 2013 workplace fatalities shows the number-one cause of worker fatalities in Indiana was vehicle crashes. In 2014, Indiana began the Drive Now, TXT L8R safety campaign aimed at reducing texting while driving.

For the full 2013 preliminary CFOI report, visit www.in.gov/dol/2342.htm.

Source: Indiana Department of Labor, Inside INdiana Business