Safer at work

Americans are safer at work than they used to be, according to new data. Though too many people are still injured on the job -- a rate of nearly 16 deaths per day -- the rate of fatal injuries decreased 8% from 1992 to 2005. The highest percentages of fatal workplace injuries are due to transportation accidents on public roads, such as highways.

• Total deaths in 2005 attributed to injuries at work: 5,702

• Rate of U.S. worker deaths from an injury while at work: 4 per 100,000 workers

• Percentage of deaths among males: 93%

• Percentage of deaths among workers ages 35 to 54: 46%

• Percentage of deaths from transportation incidents: 43%

• Percentage of deaths from contact with equipment or falling objects: 18%

• Percentage of deaths from assaults and violent acts: 14%

• Percentage of deaths from falls: 13%

-- Shari Roan

Source: Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.