BLS Study: Most Texas Fatalities are Transportation Related

Transportation incidents were the leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in Texas in 2014 according to a study released by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Such incidents accounted for nearly half of all work-related deaths in the state. More than half of those fatal transportation incidents involved a freight hauling or utility truck such as a tractor trailer truck or delivery truck or van. In addition, nearly six out of ten incidents involved collisions with another vehicle.

The work-related fatality data was compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). The results are preliminary at this point. Final results will be released in the spring of 2016.

According to the BLS, in 2014 there were 524 fatal occupational injuries in Texas, representing a 3 percent increase from 508 in 2013. Nationally, there were 4,679 fatal occupational injuries. In the Texas construction sector, fatal occupational injuries fell by 9 percent from 116 incidents in 2013 to 105 incidents in 2014.

 The DWC compiles BLS fatality data and studies on its website.