Labor Department releases 2006 worker fatality statistics

The Oklahoma Department of Labor released its annual workplace fatality statistics today. Overall, workplace deaths decreased in 2006 to 91, down from 95 in 2005.

Transportation deaths top the list with 65 percent of the total. There were 86 private sector fatalities and seven public sector deaths. Males accounted for 96 percent of the fatalities. Also, 93 percent of the deaths occurred among wage and salary workers while self-employed workers made up the remaining seven percent.

Reading between the lines, if you are a male road construction worker employed in the private sector you might want to up your life insurance policy.