5,250 fatal workplace injuries occurred in 2018

There were 5,250 fatal workplace injuries across all industries and ownerships in 2018, an increase of 103 from 2017. The fatality rate was unchanged from 2017 at 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers. From 1992 to 2018, there were nearly 150,000 fatal work injuries in the United States.

In 2018, there were 96 fewer fatal falls, slips, and trips than in 2017. This decrease was more than offset by an increase of 91 cases in fatal contact with objects and equipment and an increase of 90 cases in exposure to harmful substances or environments.

These data are from the Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program. To learn more, see “National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2018.” We also have more charts on fatal workplace injuries.