Some kinds of work are far more dangerous than others. National workplace safety statistics are compiled on work-related injuries and deaths from a range of sources, including coroner’s records, workers’ compensation data and media reports. Deaths caused by disease, natural causes and suicide are not included in these figures.
The overall number of work-related deaths fell between 2003 and 2013. In 2013, 196 people lost their lives in work-related accidents. Of these, 180 were men and 16 were women. This equates to 1.70 deaths for every 100,000 workers.
Some industries are more dangerous than others#
In 2013, the industries with the most work-related deaths were:
| Industry | Number of deaths | Share of deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry & fishing | 49 | 25% |
| Transport, postal & warehousing | 45 | 23% |
| Construction | 22 | 11% |
| Mining | 8 | 4% |
| Arts & recreation services | 7 | 4% |
| Electricity, water & waste services | 4 | 2% |
Death rates per 100,000 workers also varied between these industries.
Some occupations are more dangerous than others#
Average annual death rates per 100,000 workers differed widely by occupation:
- machinery operators and drivers – 8.12 deaths
- laborers – 3.55 deaths
- managers – 1.99 deaths
- technicians and trades workers – 1.68 deaths
- community and personal service workers – 1.23 deaths
- sales workers – 0.56 deaths
- professionals – 0.47 deaths
- clerical and administrative workers – 0.06 deaths
One of the causes of work-related injuries leading to death recorded in these statistics was being assaulted by one or more people.
Key points#
- Work-related death statistics cover accidents at work and exclude deaths from disease, natural causes and suicide.
- The overall number of work-related deaths fell between 2003 and 2013.
- In 2013 there were 196 work-related deaths, equal to 1.70 deaths per 100,000 workers, and most of those who died were men.
- Some industries and occupations carry a much higher risk of a work-related death than others.
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.