Labor Secretary Elaine Chao was pleased to recently announce that work related deaths are declining in the United States. According to Chao, the number of on the job deaths decreased by nearly 2% last year. The construction industry reported the most deaths and injuries, however figures were down nearly 3% from 1999. Other common causes of death include, workplace homicides, aircraft and railway accidents, falls, and traffic accidents.

During 2000, an average of 16 workers were killed each day. The total number of work-related deaths decreased from 1999's 6,053 to 5,915 in 2000.

Deaths related to electrocutions, fires, explosions, transportation-related accidents, manufacturing accidents, fish and forestry jobs all decreased in 2000. Meanwhile, deaths associated with farm-related work, railway and aircraft accidents, workplace homicides, and falls all increased slightly during 2000.

Retail workers experienced an increase in work-related deaths, primarily due to the increase in workplace homicide.