Department of Industrial Relations Reports 2014 Fatal Occupational Injuries

Originally published by Department of Industrial Relations: Newsline
April 21, 2016

Oakland—The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports the number of Californians who died on the job decreased in 2014. 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.

“Every work-related fatality is a tragic reminder that worker deaths are preventable,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). “Safe and healthy working conditions and dedication to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses can save workers’ lives.”  

There were 344 fatal injuries on the job in California in 2014, compared to 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 2014 are the latest numbers available.

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Key findings from the latest census in California include: 

• Over one third (35%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 occurred in transportation incidents.
• One in five (22%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 were attributed to violent acts.
• One in five (21%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 were attributed to trips, slips and falls.
• Fatal workplace injuries among Latino workers in 2014 decreased to 130 (38% of all worker deaths) from 194 (49%) in 2013, and 137 (37%) in 2012.

The high rate of workplace fatalities for Latinos continues to be an area the department is tracking closely. DIR over the past six years has increased workplace safety outreach and education to Spanish-speaking workers, with a focus on high-hazard work. 

A table reflecting final data for 2014 for California is posted online. Detailed tables will be posted as soon as available from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The preliminary data was posted last September. Changes to the final data result from the identification of new cases and the revision of existing cases based on source documents received after the release of preliminary results. Beginning in 2016, the data will only be released once annually in the month of December.