Workplace fatalities fell 4 percent in 2024 as overdose deaths declined

Fatal work injuries fell 4 percent in 2024 from 2023, largely due to a decline in workplace drug- and alcohol-related overdoses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overdose fatalities fell from 512 in 2023 to 410 in 2024. However, fatal injuries decreased across all major BLS categories:

• Transportation incidents;
• Falls, slips, trips;
• Contact incidents;
• Violent acts;
• Exposure to harmful substances and/or environments; and
• Explosions and fires.

In total, there were 5,070 fatal work injuries in 2024, compared to 5,283 in 2023.

Transportation incidents continue to be the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for over 38 percent of all occupational fatalities in 2024. Roadway and pedestrian incidents involving motorized land vehicles were the top two most frequent incidents. However, roadway incidents decreased 8.5 percent during this period, while pedestrian incidents increased 19 percent.