Missouri Sees Drop in Workplace Fatalities in 2018

Workplace fatalities in Missouri dropped to 102 in 2018, down from 118 in 2017.

These numbers are part of the collective workplace injury and fatality data compiled by the Divisions of Workers’ Compensation and Labor Standards.

Of the 102 fatalities in 2018:

1. 25 fatalities were automobile related

2. The industries with the most fatalities were construction (16), transportation and warehousing (15), and public administration (11)

3. A majority of fatal injuries occurred in men, and over 30% occurred in the 50-59 age group

4. August was the month with the most fatalities at 16, followed by July at 13

5. The day of the week with the most fatalities was Wednesday with 22, followed closely by Monday which had 21

For the second year in a row, the manufacturing industry had the most lost-time injuries, followed by the healthcare and social assistance industry, which also once again had the most total injury incidents. Manufacturing had the second most total injury incidents.

The top cause of injuries reported to the Division of Workers’ Compensation in 2018 was lifting. The top nature of injuries reported was strains or tears.

“Seeing a drop in fatalities at Missouri’s workplaces is a step in the right direction,” says Department of Labor Director Anna Hui. “It motivates us to increase efforts to drive the number down to zero. As part of the ongoing mission of the Department of Labor, we will continue partnering with employers and workers to increase awareness and consultations to promote workplace safety with the goal of preventing work-related injuries and fatalities across all Missouri businesses.”