Workplace Fatalities Cost U.S. $5.3 Billion Annually

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Workplace fatalities cost the United States $53 billion from 1992-2002, according to a publication now available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The document attempts to add an economic dimension to existing research efforts addressing the incidence and prevalence measures of loss associated with fatal occupational injury. Major findings include:

  • Between 1992 and 2002, there were 64,333 civilian workers who died from injuries sustained while working in the U.S., generating a total societal cost of over $53 billion.
  • Transportation accidents created the leading cost ($23 billion), followed by assaults and violent acts ($9.4 billion) and contact with objects and equipment ($7.9 billion).
  • The 35-44-year age group showed the largest share of occupational fatalities (25%) and the largest share of total cost (32%), closely followed by the 25-34- and 45-54-year groups.

Download the full report here.

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