State News

Work-related deaths in North Carolina increased in 2014

Preliminary figures released by the N.C. Department of Labor reports work-related fatalities in 2014 nearly doubled from the previous year to 44 deaths.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Preliminary figures released by the North Carolina Department of Labor reports work-related fatalities in 2014 nearly doubled from the previous year, to 44 deaths.

In 2013, the department reported 23 deaths, the fewest in the previous nine years.

A statement from the department says the construction industry experienced 19 fatalities, 12 more than in 2013.

Industry data shows many construction accidents occurred within the first 60 to 90 days on the job – and in some cases on the first day of work.

"To hear that workers are getting injured on the first day or between 60 and 90 days on the job sends a red flag that the workers are not getting the necessary training prior to starting the work,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said in a statement, noting that her department works with employers on workplace training programs.

Manufacturing had the second-highest number of work-related deaths with nine, five more than the previous year. The services industry increased from one fatality, to six. Agriculture, forestry and fishing deaths fell from seven n 2013 to three last year. There were also three fatalities in the transportation and public utility industry.

Struck-by events accounted for the most work-related deaths with 18. Falls accounted for 13 deaths, and seven workers died after being caught in/between objects.

Mecklenburg County led with five fatalities. Union County and Wake County had three each. Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Henderson and Pender each had two fatalities.

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