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Construction work is the deadliest job in Kentucky

Second most dangerous is landscaping/tree service worker

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 28, 2014) – Construction work is the deadliest job in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, which announced the deadliest jobs as part of Workers’ Memorial Day.

The cabinet reviewed workplace deaths starting in 2011 to the present. It also identified the causes of the deaths, including the top fatal four, with “struck by object” standing out as a clear number one factor.

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Of the 90 total workplace fatalities, the leading hazards in Kentucky were struck by object (42); falls (15); caught-in/between (10) and electrocution (5).

Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28. It is a day to honor those workers who have died on the job, and to raise awareness for safe and healthful workplaces for all workers. It is also the day Federal OSHA was established in 1971.

“No worker should lose a life for a paycheck,” said Kentucky Labor Cabinet Secretary Larry L. Roberts. “Workers’ Memorial Day is a perfect reminder to be aware of the hazards in your workplace. In looking at the deadliest jobs in Kentucky, we realize that proper training, procedures and guidelines must be followed to keep our workplaces safe.”

There were 90 deaths from workplace hazards in Kentucky from 2011 to present. Not included in that total were seven other deaths from transportation crashes while workers were on the clock, six workplace homicides and six workplace suicides. There were also 73 heart disease related workplace deaths and four other deaths at work that resulted from natural causes.

Fatalities from crashes were included as workplace hazards for workers whose normal duties include driving, such as truck drivers, delivery drivers and law enforcement officers. Homicides were also included for law enforcement officers, as their normal duties include handling of criminal activity.

Other workplace deaths occurred in Kentucky, but were not included because the employers were not under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health (Kentucky OSH) Program, or were under federal agencies, such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration.

Deadliest jobs in Kentucky (2011-present)

1.      Construction worker (21 deaths)

2.      Landscaping/tree services worker (16 deaths)

3.      (tie) Truck driver (7 deaths)

4.      (tie) Maintenance/repair worker (7 deaths)

5.      Mechanic (6 deaths)

Other jobs that included workplace fatalities in Kentucky from 2011 to present include: heavy equipment operator (4 deaths); chemical worker (4 deaths); law enforcement officer (3 deaths); delivery driver (3 deaths); medical flight member (3 deaths); contract worker* (2 deaths); farmworker (2 deaths); office worker (2 deaths); and one death each for farm equipment worker, home caregiver, paper mill worker, photographer, sales representative, lathe operator, utility worker, baking company worker, recycling worker and assembly worker.

Causes of death

Of the 90 total workplace fatalities, the leading hazards in Kentucky were struck by object (42); falls (15); caught-in/between (10) and electrocution (5). These “Fatal Four” causes were involved in 80 percent of the Kentucky OSH workplace death investigations. Three deaths resulted from hyperthermia, and there was one death each from carbon monoxide poisoning, suffocation and homicide. There were 12 work-related crash deaths.

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Since 1972, the mission of Kentucky OSH has been to prevent any detriment to the safety and health of all public and private sector employees arising out of exposure to harmful conditions or practices at places of work.

Kentucky OSH enforcement activities and voluntary compliance services are extended to both the public and private sectors in Kentucky with the exception of employees of the federal government and employers under the authority of federal agencies other than OSHA, such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration. Federal OSHA retains jurisdiction in Kentucky for private sector maritime activities as well as for Tennessee Valley Authority employment, military bases, and other properties ceded to the U.S. government.

To learn more about free Kentucky OSH consultative services, click here.