Workplace Fatalities and Hospitalizations
In Washington State, an average of 2 employees die each week from injuries or illnesses related to their work. Many others are hospitalized, sometimes with injuries or illnesses that will persist for a lifetime.
Underlying these deaths or hospitalizations are powerful messages about workplace hazard prevention. These messages can help keep other employees safe and working.
Learn what to do when a workplace death or hospitalization occurs.
Fatalities
Descriptions of recent fatalities
- While checking on a load a worker was caught between the mast of a forklift and the forklift's overhead protection (5/17/12)
- A worker and student died during a flight lesson. (3/14/12)
- Four fishermen were lost off Southwest Washington Coast. (3/3/12)
- While conducting a routine traffic stop a worker was shot and killed. (2/23/12)
- While shooting a marketing video an avalanche occurred. (2/19/12)
View summaries of other work-related fatalities.
Useful incident information for prevention
- Fatality Bulletins.
- FACE (Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation) Narratives.
- Fatality & Serious Injury Investigation Stories.
Video Library – search using the keywords and subjects
Research
- National fatality, injury, and illness statistics.
- Report on economic losses associated with fatal occupational injuries (NIOSH)
Worker Memorial Day - A solemn reminder
This annual ceremony is held during April to honor the memories of workers who die every year due to workplace hazards.
President Barack Obama's Declaration of April 28, 2011 as Worker Memorial Day (13 KB PDF)
Hospitalizations
Descriptions of recent hospitalizations
- A worker received an open wound from an auger. (5/15/2012)
- An employee was burned while cleaning the ceiling with a brush dipped in hydrofloric acid. (5/14/2012)
- A worker was burned from splashed hot oil. (5/13/2012)
- A worker was driving a semi downhill and lost brakes going over a 100 foot embankment. (5/11/2012)
- While trying to untangle a trailer cable a workers glove and hand were pulled into the roller. (5/9/2012)
View summaries of other work-related hospitalizations.
Other Links
- National Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program (NIOSH).
- National Workplace Injury, Illness, and Fatality Statistics (OSHA).
- Pension and Survivor Benefits (booklet available in English/Spanish).
- History of Health & Safety — Why DOSH exists (online free course, PowerPoint).
