The latest report California's Department of Industrial Relations shows a drastic increase in fatal workplace injuries since 2014.
Data pulled from the Census of Fatal Occupational injuries states that 422 Californias died on the job in 2018, up from 376 in 2017 and 2016, 388 in 2015, and 344 in 2014.
“Every death matters, and these workers who lost their lives on the job in California serve as a reminder that we need to do everything possible to keep workplaces safe,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Douglas Parker in a written statement. “An increase in workplace fatalities is a serious concern for Cal/OSHA. We are analyzing the data to bolster and direct our enforcement and education efforts.”
Despite this, the state's rate of fatal workplace incidents per 100,000 workers continues to remain stable with only slight fluctuations since 2008, and it has consistently been lower than the national rate, Cal/OSHA stated.
"The percentage of Latino deaths reported each year in the CFOI continues to be an area of concern to the department," Cal/OSHA wrote in a statement.
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) is conducted each year in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
