Workplace Fatalities

On-the-job fatalities declined in 1999 both nationally, with 6,023 deaths, and at the state level, with 591 deaths. Still, an average of nearly 17 American workers died each day in 1999. Transportation accidents were the No.1 cause of workplace fatalities.

Transportation accidents

California: 44%

U.S.: 43%

*

Homicides and Other Violent Acts

California: 19%

U.S.: 15%

*

Struck by Object, Caught in Machinery or Crushed by Materials

California: 14%

U.S.: 17%

*

Falls

California: 12%

U.S.: 12%

*

Exposure to harmful substances or environments

California: 7%

U.S.: 9%

*

Fires and explosions

California: 3%

U.S.: 4%

*

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Calif. Dept. of Industrial Relations.; Researched by NONA YATES/Los Angeles Times.

Note: Numbers may not total 100% due to rounding