Workplace fatalities in Montana decreased in 2010 from 2009, with a total of 36 work-related deaths, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) study.
Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal work related event and accounted for 19 (53 percent) of the fatal occupational injuries in 2010. The following is a list of other causes of workplace fatalities:
* Assaults and violent acts – seven fatalities
* Contact with objects and equipment – three fatalities
* Falls to lower levels- three fatalities
* Exposure to harmful substances or environments – three fatalities
Goods producing industries accounted for 23 (64 percent) of the fatal work injuries in 2010, with Service Producing Industries accounting for eight (22 percent) and Government accounting five (14 percent).
The age category with highest number of workplace fatalities was the 65 years and over category with 11 deaths (31 percent), followed by the 45-54 years category with eight deaths (22 percent).
The CFOI study includes data for all fatal work injuries, whether they are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act or other federal or state agency regulations, or are outside the scope of regulatory coverage. Data for 2010 are preliminary, totals for major categories may include subcategories not shown separately.
The fatality census, conducted throughout the nation, is part of a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Safety and Health Statistics program that provides a complete count of fatal work injuries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Fatality statistics are used to fulfill a commitment to increasing safety in the workplace.
Information on work-related illnesses was excluded from this census because of the latency period of many occupational illnesses and the resulting difficulties associated with linking illnesses to work.
