Washington Workplace Deaths in 2015 Fell to Near-Historic Low

Workplace deaths in Washington fell to a near-historic low in 2015, according to a Department of Labor & Industries report out in mid-April.

Last year there were 58 work-related deaths in the state, 18 fewer than in 2014, and L&I data shows only 2011 and 2013 had fewer work-related deaths reported (53 and 54, respectively). Workplace deaths in Washington have declined by roughly 3.5 percent a year since 2006, when 90 were recorded, according to L&I.

“The decline in these numbers means more people avoided serious workplace incidents and were able to go home safe and healthy,” L&I Director Joel Sacks said in a statement.

There were fewer fatalities in 2015 involving motor vehicles and machines. Falls continue to lead work-related deaths, accounting for 25 percent of the fatal incidents last year. That’s five more than the 10-year average and the highest number of fall-related deaths since 2006, according to the report.

Farm workers, loggers and other workers in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector accounted for 15 of the fatalities in 2015.