Department of Industrial Relations Reports 2015 Fatal Occupational Injuries

USA - English

• USA - English

OAKLAND, California, Dec. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports that 388 Californians died on the job in 2015. California experienced 13 multi-fatality incidents in 2015, accounting for a total of 48 workplace deaths. These events include the tragic shootings of public employees attending a holiday event in San Bernardino, four separate farm vehicle collisions, four different helicopter or small airplane crashes (including two separate military helicopter incidents), and 3 multi-victim workplace homicides.  This contrasts with six separate multi-fatality incidents that occurred in 2014 resulting in 17 fatalities.

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"Our thoughts are with the families and coworkers of those that died," said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). "In January, Cal/OSHA will convene an advisory committee to address workplace violence."   

A review of the past ten years indicates that workplace fatalities remain below the average rate of fatalities prior to 2008, when the last recession began.

There were 388 fatal injuries on the job in California in 2015, compared to 344 in 2014, 396 in 2013 and 375 in 2012. Data comes from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) which is conducted annually in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures for 2015 are the latest numbers available.

Key findings from the latest census in California include: 

• One in five (20%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2015 were attributed to be due to violence and other injuries by persons or animals. The incidence of workplace homicides in 2015 accounts for 12% of all workplace deaths in the state.
• Over one third (38%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2015 occurred in transportation incidents.
• One in five (19%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2015 were attributed to trips, slips and falls; with more than two thirds of those deaths involving falls to a lower level.
• Nearly half of the victims of workplace fatalities (46%) in 2015 were Latinos. This fatality rate has fluctuated over the past ten years between 37% and 49%.

The percentage of Latino deaths in the workplace continues to be an area the department is tracking closely. DIR over the past seven years has increased workplace safety outreach and education to Spanish-speaking workers, with a focus on high-hazard work. 

Tables reflecting final data for 2015 (and prior years' final data) for California are posted online.

The Census is conducted annually by DIR in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CFOI produces comprehensive, accurate and timely counts of fatal work injuries. This Federal-State cooperative program was implemented in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 1992.

DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. Its Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA does not have authority when injuries occur on public roadways.

Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

Sources:
Graph 1 - Current Population Survey, BLS Labor Force Data (Employment as of July of calendar year), and Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year). 
Graph 2 - Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year). 
Graph 3 – 2015 Fatal Occupational Injuries in California by Major Event, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries 2015.
Graph 4 – Incidence of Latino Workplace Fatalities in California, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year, table A-7: percentage of Hispanic or Latino fatalities as compared to all fatalities).

For further detail on CFOI methods and calculations see Part III: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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