Workplace Deaths Drop Slightly in Louisiana

State labor officials say the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths in Louisiana dropped in 2008.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports 134 work-related fatalities in 2008, down from 139 in 2007. Non-fatal work injuries and illnesses in private industry occurred at a rate of 2.8 per 100 full-time workers in 2008, down from 2.9 in 2007.

The rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in Louisiana is at its lowest level since federal reporting rules were changed in 2002.

Transportation and warehousing accounted for 39 of the 2008 deaths, followed by 27 deaths in construction, 19 in natural resources and mining and 13 in government. Eight of the government-related deaths were in police-related activities.